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

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

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 notes

In 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

adieu → adios → bon voyage → revoir →

Common pairings

say au revoir au revoir for now not goodbye but au revoir

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “au revoir” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____, 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'.

Origin: French

Synonyms

View more →

goodbye farewell see you so long

Antonyms

hello bonjour

Related Words

hey hi wow hello bye yo goodbye cheers

Rhymes for au revoir

coir noir choir memoir Renoir Revoir boudoir abattoir reservoir

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.

People Also Searched

hey hi wow hello bye yo goodbye cheers