au revoir
4 synonyms and 2 antonyms for au revoir, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Interjection — Goodbye, said with the expectation of meeting again.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
see you
so long
Antonyms
How to use au revoir
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
say au revoir
au revoir for now
not goodbye but au revoir
Widely used in English for a light, slightly playful or affectionate parting. It is neutral in French but sounds a little stylish in English.
Etymology
From French au revoir, literally 'to the seeing again', from au 'to the' and revoir 'to see again'.
Full origin of au revoir →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between au revoir and adieu?
Au revoir assumes you will meet again and is the ordinary French goodbye. Adieu is far more final, carrying the sense of parting for good, and is reserved for dramatic or permanent farewells.
Is au revoir formal?
In French it is the standard polite goodbye for almost any situation, from shops to offices. Used in English it sounds a touch decorative, which is why it often turns up in warm or lightly theatrical partings.
