interjection
au revoir
oh ruh-VWAR
Au revoir (interjection) means Goodbye, said with the expectation of meeting again. Example: “Au revoir, and thank you for a wonderful evening.”
interjection
1
Goodbye, said with the expectation of meeting again.
"Au revoir, and thank you for a wonderful evening."
"She waved from the platform and called au revoir."
noun
1
An act of saying goodbye, especially a temporary one.
"It was less a farewell than an au revoir."
How to use au revoir
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishFrench for goodbye, with the sense of see you again.
When to use it
Widely used in English for a light, slightly playful or affectionate parting. It is neutral in French but sounds a little stylish in English.
Memory tip
The final r of revoir is pronounced; the word ends roughly like 'vwar', not 'vwa'.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
say au revoir
au revoir for now
not goodbye but au revoir
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_____, and thank you for a wonderful evening.
Etymology
From French au revoir, literally 'to the seeing again', from au 'to the' and revoir 'to see again'.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for au revoir
See all rhymes for 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.
What is the meaning of au revoir?
"au revoir" (interjection) means goodbye, said with the expectation of meeting again.
What is another word for au revoir?
Other words for "au revoir" include goodbye, farewell, see you, so long.
