Meaning
A common farewell phrase.
Cultural Background
In France, failing to say 'Au revoir' to a shopkeeper is considered very rude. It is a fundamental part of the 'Bonjour/Au revoir' ritual. In Quebec, you might hear 'Salut' more frequently in semi-formal settings compared to France, but 'Au revoir' remains the standard for service. Swiss French speakers are often very polite and may add 'Merci' before 'Au revoir'.
The Golden Rule
Always say 'Au revoir' when leaving a shop. It is the hallmark of a polite visitor.
Avoid Adieu
Unless you are in a dramatic movie, stay away from 'Adieu'.
Meaning
A common farewell phrase.
The Golden Rule
Always say 'Au revoir' when leaving a shop. It is the hallmark of a polite visitor.
Avoid Adieu
Unless you are in a dramatic movie, stay away from 'Adieu'.
Add a wish
Pair 'Au revoir' with 'bonne journée' (have a good day) to sound like a native.
Test Yourself
Which is the best way to say goodbye to a stranger in a shop?
You are leaving a bakery. What do you say?
Au revoir is the standard, polite choice for service interactions.
Complete the sentence.
Je dois partir, ____ !
Au revoir is the correct phrase for leaving.
Match the register to the phrase.
Match 'Au revoir' to its register.
Au revoir is the neutral standard.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'À demain !' B: '____ !'
Au revoir is a perfect response to a farewell.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
French Goodbyes
Neutral
- • Au revoir
Informal
- • Salut
- • À plus
Formal
- • Au plaisir
Practice Bank
4 exercisesYou are leaving a bakery. What do you say?
Au revoir is the standard, polite choice for service interactions.
Je dois partir, ____ !
Au revoir is the correct phrase for leaving.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Au revoir is the neutral standard.
A: 'À demain !' B: '____ !'
Au revoir is a perfect response to a farewell.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsYes, it is perfectly polite and appropriate.
It is an invariable expression, so it has no gender.
Salut is informal and used between friends.
Yes, in France, it is considered quite impolite.
Yes, it is the standard way to end a call.
Then you might use 'Adieu', but it's very rare.
Literally 'until seeing again', so yes.
Yes, it is standard in all French-speaking regions.
Related Phrases
À bientôt
similarSee you soon
Adieu
contrastFarewell
Salut
contrastHi/Bye
À plus
similarSee ya
