さようなら

さようなら is a farewell expression. It originally comes from the phrase さようならば (if that is the case), implying acceptance of parting.

Usage

• Used when parting for a longer period or when uncertain about the next meeting
• Common in school settings (students say it when leaving school)
• Carries a sense of finality compared to casual farewells

Alternative farewells

• じゃあね / じゃあ: casual (see you)
• バイバイ: casual (bye-bye)
• では / それでは: polite/formal (well then)
• 失礼(しつれい)します: formal (excuse me, I'll take my leave)

Note: Among adults, さようなら is less common in everyday conversation. じゃあ、また or お疲(つか)れさまです are more typical.