In textbook Chinese, every conversation ends with 再见 (Zàijiàn). In real life, saying Zaijian to your best friend can sound cold, distant, or overly formal.
Language is about context. Are you a host seeing a guest out? Are you a boss dismissing an employee? Are you ending a phone call? Each scenario demands a different HSK-level vocabulary.
This guide explores the most common ways native speakers say farewell, helping you sound natural and ace your HSK Speaking Exams.
1. The Textbook Classics
再见 (Zàijiàn) - The Standard
HSK Level: 1
- Literal Meaning: Again (再) + See (见). "See you again."
- Context: Universal. Used with teachers, strangers, and in formal business.
- Cultural Note: While safe, relying only on this word makes your speech sound flat.
拜拜 (Báibái) - The Casual Bye
HSK Level: Non-standard (Colloquial)
- Origin: Loanword from English "Bye-bye."
- Context: Used heavily by young people and in digital chat (88).
- Warning: Do not use this with a senior boss in a strictly traditional company; use the formal phrases below instead.
2. Being a Polite Host (Service Etiquette)
If you have guests over for dinner, or you are working in a shop, you rarely say Zaijian. You show concern for their journey.
慢走 (Màn zǒu) - Walk Slowly / Take Care
HSK Level: 3
- Literal Meaning: Slowly (慢) + Walk (走).
- Context: The host stays at the door and says this as the guest walks away. It implies "Be careful on your way home."
- Related Guide: Master other hosting duties with our Chinese Dining Etiquette Guide.
留步 (Liúbù) - Don't Bother Seeing Me Out
HSK Level: 6 (Advanced Polite Speech)
- Context: As a guest, if your host tries to walk you to your car/elevator, you stop them with this phrase to be polite.
- Phrase: 请留步 (Qǐng liúbù) - "Please stop your steps (don't come further)."
3. Workplace & "Escaping" Early
In Chinese culture, leaving a social gathering early requires "face-saving" techniques. You can't just leave; you must announce you are taking the first step.
我先走了 (Wǒ xiān zǒu le) - I'm Off First
HSK Level: 2
- Structure: Subject + First (先) + Verb (Leave).
- Grammar Point: The use of 先 implies others are staying, but you are the exception leaving now.
- Example: 你们聊，我先走了。(You guys chat, I'm heading out first.)
失陪 (Shīpéi) - Excuse Me (Formal)
HSK Level: 6
- Literal Meaning: Lose (失) + Company/Accompany (陪). "I must lose the ability to keep you company."
- Context: Highly formal. Used at business banquets when you need to use the restroom or take a phone call.
- Related: Essential for Chinese Business Etiquette.
4. The "See You Later" Variants
Unlike English, Mandarin is specific about when we will meet again.
明天见 / 待会儿见
- 明天见 (Míngtiān jiàn): See you tomorrow.
- 待会儿见 (Dāihuǐr jiàn): See you in a little while (soon).
回头见 (Huítóu jiàn)
HSK Level: 4
- Literal Meaning: Turn head (回头) + See (见).
- Meaning: "Catch you later." Implies vague time in the near future.
5. Travel & Long Separations
When friends leave for a trip, generic goodbyes aren't enough. You must use "Travel Blessings" (Zhufu).
一路平安 (Yílù píng'ān) - Have a Safe Journey
HSK Level: 5
- Meaning: Safety (平安) for the whole road (一路).
- Context: Used when someone is traveling by plane/train.
保重 (Bǎozhòng) - Take Care of Yourself
HSK Level: 5
- Context: Used for serious goodbyes (e.g., friend moving to another country). It implies you won't see them for a long time.
- Cultural Insight: Reflects the deep Chinese value of health preservation.
- Vocabulary: Discover more Top Mandarin Travel Phrases.
6. Business Formal
告辞 (Gàocí) - To Take Leave
HSK Level: 6
- Context: Used in historical dramas or very rigid business meetings. It marks the formal end of a visit.
- Usage: 时间不早了，我就先告辞了。(It's getting late, I will take my leave).
再联系 (Zài liánxì) - Let's Touch Base
HSK Level: 5
- Meaning: Again + Contact.
- Context: The standard way to end a networking interaction or Wechat message.
Practice Exercise
Match the situation to the phrase:
- Leaving a fun party early: ________
- Your customer leaves your shop: ________
- Your boss goes on a business trip: ________
(Answers: 1. 我先走了 2. 慢走 3. 一路平安)
Conclusion
Knowing how to leave a conversation is just as important as knowing how to Make Small Talk. By swapping your standard "Zaijian" for "Manzou" or "Huitou Jian," you instantly signal to native speakers that you understand the social rules, not just the dictionary definitions.