How does one say “bye” to a stranger they just met?

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When one starts out learning Japanese, they're always taught to use the phrase “さようなら” to mean “goodbye.” However, it's now known that it's not that commonly used as people regard it as a kind of “final” goodbye, similar to the phrase Adieu.



And informally, “じゃあ、また” or “またね” are the most common phrases used.



But when one meets a stranger in the streets, for example, how would they say “goodbye” to them?










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  • 1




    Your question is clear, but I think in the end you should be more clear. What does "meet a stranger in the streets" mean? Can you describe the situation better? What kind of interaction goes on, for how long? Is the stranger about your age, older, younger? Etc.
    – Tommy
    40 mins ago






  • 1




    When one meets a stranger in the streets, how would they say “goodbye” to them?-- It would depend on what conversation they had..
    – Chocolate
    39 mins ago














up vote
1
down vote

favorite












When one starts out learning Japanese, they're always taught to use the phrase “さようなら” to mean “goodbye.” However, it's now known that it's not that commonly used as people regard it as a kind of “final” goodbye, similar to the phrase Adieu.



And informally, “じゃあ、また” or “またね” are the most common phrases used.



But when one meets a stranger in the streets, for example, how would they say “goodbye” to them?










share|improve this question







New contributor




David M. Seitz is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.















  • 1




    Your question is clear, but I think in the end you should be more clear. What does "meet a stranger in the streets" mean? Can you describe the situation better? What kind of interaction goes on, for how long? Is the stranger about your age, older, younger? Etc.
    – Tommy
    40 mins ago






  • 1




    When one meets a stranger in the streets, how would they say “goodbye” to them?-- It would depend on what conversation they had..
    – Chocolate
    39 mins ago












up vote
1
down vote

favorite









up vote
1
down vote

favorite











When one starts out learning Japanese, they're always taught to use the phrase “さようなら” to mean “goodbye.” However, it's now known that it's not that commonly used as people regard it as a kind of “final” goodbye, similar to the phrase Adieu.



And informally, “じゃあ、また” or “またね” are the most common phrases used.



But when one meets a stranger in the streets, for example, how would they say “goodbye” to them?










share|improve this question







New contributor




David M. Seitz is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.











When one starts out learning Japanese, they're always taught to use the phrase “さようなら” to mean “goodbye.” However, it's now known that it's not that commonly used as people regard it as a kind of “final” goodbye, similar to the phrase Adieu.



And informally, “じゃあ、また” or “またね” are the most common phrases used.



But when one meets a stranger in the streets, for example, how would they say “goodbye” to them?







usage






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share|improve this question







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  • 1




    Your question is clear, but I think in the end you should be more clear. What does "meet a stranger in the streets" mean? Can you describe the situation better? What kind of interaction goes on, for how long? Is the stranger about your age, older, younger? Etc.
    – Tommy
    40 mins ago






  • 1




    When one meets a stranger in the streets, how would they say “goodbye” to them?-- It would depend on what conversation they had..
    – Chocolate
    39 mins ago












  • 1




    Your question is clear, but I think in the end you should be more clear. What does "meet a stranger in the streets" mean? Can you describe the situation better? What kind of interaction goes on, for how long? Is the stranger about your age, older, younger? Etc.
    – Tommy
    40 mins ago






  • 1




    When one meets a stranger in the streets, how would they say “goodbye” to them?-- It would depend on what conversation they had..
    – Chocolate
    39 mins ago







1




1




Your question is clear, but I think in the end you should be more clear. What does "meet a stranger in the streets" mean? Can you describe the situation better? What kind of interaction goes on, for how long? Is the stranger about your age, older, younger? Etc.
– Tommy
40 mins ago




Your question is clear, but I think in the end you should be more clear. What does "meet a stranger in the streets" mean? Can you describe the situation better? What kind of interaction goes on, for how long? Is the stranger about your age, older, younger? Etc.
– Tommy
40 mins ago




1




1




When one meets a stranger in the streets, how would they say “goodbye” to them?-- It would depend on what conversation they had..
– Chocolate
39 mins ago




When one meets a stranger in the streets, how would they say “goodbye” to them?-- It would depend on what conversation they had..
– Chocolate
39 mins ago










4 Answers
4






active

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1
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さようなら would be perfectly appropriate for that situation, since it is likely you will never see them again.



Another possibility is お元気で when you think you won't see someone for some time. It's a little more formal, and it is often used with people you already know and have some kind of relationship with. But I think it could be used with someone you don't know well too, depending on what the nature of the (brief) relationship was.






share|improve this answer



























    up vote
    1
    down vote














    When one meets a stranger in the streets, how would they say “goodbye” to them?




    I can't think of a situation where you'd say goodbye to a total stranger you've just met... and what phrase you'd say when parting with them would depend on what conversation you've just had... for example:




    A: すいません、この近くに郵便局はありますか。

    B: 郵便局なら、そこをまっすぐ行って、右にあります。

    A: ああ、そうですか。ありがとうございます。

    B: いえいえ。







    A (駅の階段などで): 重そうですね。持ちましょうか。

    B: あ、すいません、ありがとうございます。

    A: いえいえ。

    B: ありがとうございました、助かりました。

    A: いえいえ。お気をつけて。







    share|improve this answer




















    • あ、同時に回答してたか。。(笑)
      – Tommy
      21 mins ago










    • あ、ほんまやw We're basically saying the same thing... ^^
      – Chocolate
      10 mins ago


















    up vote
    1
    down vote













    I think the other answers are ok but I just wanted to expand a little to try to give you a different point of view.




    when one meets a stranger in the streets, for example, how would they
    say “goodbye” to them?




    As I said in a comment, this is not very clear. It could depend a lot on how the interaction goes on, what do you say, how old is the stranger compared to you etc.



    However, what I want to say is: Don't assume you MUST say "goodbye" just because your native language/culture has taught you that it is the right thing to do.



    A very important thing when learning a new language is to "get out" the mentality where you automatically port everything from your own culture.



    Just as often "literal translation" does not work, the same is true for cultural habits.



    Therefore, to go back to your question, don't think you necessarily have to say "goodbye", whether it is さようなら、では、じゃあ、またね, etc.
    Depending on the conversation, it might be perfectly fine to just say nothing.



    For example, the stranger asks you for an indication (how to go somewhere or find some place). Then, the conversation might just end with him thanking you, and you saying, いいえ or どういたしまして or whatever, and you both walk away. And that's perfectly fine.






    share|improve this answer



























      up vote
      0
      down vote













      If there's a chance of meeting them again, では、また is another option. では is a formal version of じゃあ.






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        4 Answers
        4






        active

        oldest

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        4 Answers
        4






        active

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        active

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        active

        oldest

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        up vote
        1
        down vote













        さようなら would be perfectly appropriate for that situation, since it is likely you will never see them again.



        Another possibility is お元気で when you think you won't see someone for some time. It's a little more formal, and it is often used with people you already know and have some kind of relationship with. But I think it could be used with someone you don't know well too, depending on what the nature of the (brief) relationship was.






        share|improve this answer
























          up vote
          1
          down vote













          さようなら would be perfectly appropriate for that situation, since it is likely you will never see them again.



          Another possibility is お元気で when you think you won't see someone for some time. It's a little more formal, and it is often used with people you already know and have some kind of relationship with. But I think it could be used with someone you don't know well too, depending on what the nature of the (brief) relationship was.






          share|improve this answer






















            up vote
            1
            down vote










            up vote
            1
            down vote









            さようなら would be perfectly appropriate for that situation, since it is likely you will never see them again.



            Another possibility is お元気で when you think you won't see someone for some time. It's a little more formal, and it is often used with people you already know and have some kind of relationship with. But I think it could be used with someone you don't know well too, depending on what the nature of the (brief) relationship was.






            share|improve this answer












            さようなら would be perfectly appropriate for that situation, since it is likely you will never see them again.



            Another possibility is お元気で when you think you won't see someone for some time. It's a little more formal, and it is often used with people you already know and have some kind of relationship with. But I think it could be used with someone you don't know well too, depending on what the nature of the (brief) relationship was.







            share|improve this answer












            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer










            answered 5 hours ago









            kandyman

            1,840215




            1,840215




















                up vote
                1
                down vote














                When one meets a stranger in the streets, how would they say “goodbye” to them?




                I can't think of a situation where you'd say goodbye to a total stranger you've just met... and what phrase you'd say when parting with them would depend on what conversation you've just had... for example:




                A: すいません、この近くに郵便局はありますか。

                B: 郵便局なら、そこをまっすぐ行って、右にあります。

                A: ああ、そうですか。ありがとうございます。

                B: いえいえ。







                A (駅の階段などで): 重そうですね。持ちましょうか。

                B: あ、すいません、ありがとうございます。

                A: いえいえ。

                B: ありがとうございました、助かりました。

                A: いえいえ。お気をつけて。







                share|improve this answer




















                • あ、同時に回答してたか。。(笑)
                  – Tommy
                  21 mins ago










                • あ、ほんまやw We're basically saying the same thing... ^^
                  – Chocolate
                  10 mins ago















                up vote
                1
                down vote














                When one meets a stranger in the streets, how would they say “goodbye” to them?




                I can't think of a situation where you'd say goodbye to a total stranger you've just met... and what phrase you'd say when parting with them would depend on what conversation you've just had... for example:




                A: すいません、この近くに郵便局はありますか。

                B: 郵便局なら、そこをまっすぐ行って、右にあります。

                A: ああ、そうですか。ありがとうございます。

                B: いえいえ。







                A (駅の階段などで): 重そうですね。持ちましょうか。

                B: あ、すいません、ありがとうございます。

                A: いえいえ。

                B: ありがとうございました、助かりました。

                A: いえいえ。お気をつけて。







                share|improve this answer




















                • あ、同時に回答してたか。。(笑)
                  – Tommy
                  21 mins ago










                • あ、ほんまやw We're basically saying the same thing... ^^
                  – Chocolate
                  10 mins ago













                up vote
                1
                down vote










                up vote
                1
                down vote










                When one meets a stranger in the streets, how would they say “goodbye” to them?




                I can't think of a situation where you'd say goodbye to a total stranger you've just met... and what phrase you'd say when parting with them would depend on what conversation you've just had... for example:




                A: すいません、この近くに郵便局はありますか。

                B: 郵便局なら、そこをまっすぐ行って、右にあります。

                A: ああ、そうですか。ありがとうございます。

                B: いえいえ。







                A (駅の階段などで): 重そうですね。持ちましょうか。

                B: あ、すいません、ありがとうございます。

                A: いえいえ。

                B: ありがとうございました、助かりました。

                A: いえいえ。お気をつけて。







                share|improve this answer













                When one meets a stranger in the streets, how would they say “goodbye” to them?




                I can't think of a situation where you'd say goodbye to a total stranger you've just met... and what phrase you'd say when parting with them would depend on what conversation you've just had... for example:




                A: すいません、この近くに郵便局はありますか。

                B: 郵便局なら、そこをまっすぐ行って、右にあります。

                A: ああ、そうですか。ありがとうございます。

                B: いえいえ。







                A (駅の階段などで): 重そうですね。持ちましょうか。

                B: あ、すいません、ありがとうございます。

                A: いえいえ。

                B: ありがとうございました、助かりました。

                A: いえいえ。お気をつけて。








                share|improve this answer












                share|improve this answer



                share|improve this answer










                answered 29 mins ago









                Chocolate

                43.4k453110




                43.4k453110











                • あ、同時に回答してたか。。(笑)
                  – Tommy
                  21 mins ago










                • あ、ほんまやw We're basically saying the same thing... ^^
                  – Chocolate
                  10 mins ago

















                • あ、同時に回答してたか。。(笑)
                  – Tommy
                  21 mins ago










                • あ、ほんまやw We're basically saying the same thing... ^^
                  – Chocolate
                  10 mins ago
















                あ、同時に回答してたか。。(笑)
                – Tommy
                21 mins ago




                あ、同時に回答してたか。。(笑)
                – Tommy
                21 mins ago












                あ、ほんまやw We're basically saying the same thing... ^^
                – Chocolate
                10 mins ago





                あ、ほんまやw We're basically saying the same thing... ^^
                – Chocolate
                10 mins ago











                up vote
                1
                down vote













                I think the other answers are ok but I just wanted to expand a little to try to give you a different point of view.




                when one meets a stranger in the streets, for example, how would they
                say “goodbye” to them?




                As I said in a comment, this is not very clear. It could depend a lot on how the interaction goes on, what do you say, how old is the stranger compared to you etc.



                However, what I want to say is: Don't assume you MUST say "goodbye" just because your native language/culture has taught you that it is the right thing to do.



                A very important thing when learning a new language is to "get out" the mentality where you automatically port everything from your own culture.



                Just as often "literal translation" does not work, the same is true for cultural habits.



                Therefore, to go back to your question, don't think you necessarily have to say "goodbye", whether it is さようなら、では、じゃあ、またね, etc.
                Depending on the conversation, it might be perfectly fine to just say nothing.



                For example, the stranger asks you for an indication (how to go somewhere or find some place). Then, the conversation might just end with him thanking you, and you saying, いいえ or どういたしまして or whatever, and you both walk away. And that's perfectly fine.






                share|improve this answer
























                  up vote
                  1
                  down vote













                  I think the other answers are ok but I just wanted to expand a little to try to give you a different point of view.




                  when one meets a stranger in the streets, for example, how would they
                  say “goodbye” to them?




                  As I said in a comment, this is not very clear. It could depend a lot on how the interaction goes on, what do you say, how old is the stranger compared to you etc.



                  However, what I want to say is: Don't assume you MUST say "goodbye" just because your native language/culture has taught you that it is the right thing to do.



                  A very important thing when learning a new language is to "get out" the mentality where you automatically port everything from your own culture.



                  Just as often "literal translation" does not work, the same is true for cultural habits.



                  Therefore, to go back to your question, don't think you necessarily have to say "goodbye", whether it is さようなら、では、じゃあ、またね, etc.
                  Depending on the conversation, it might be perfectly fine to just say nothing.



                  For example, the stranger asks you for an indication (how to go somewhere or find some place). Then, the conversation might just end with him thanking you, and you saying, いいえ or どういたしまして or whatever, and you both walk away. And that's perfectly fine.






                  share|improve this answer






















                    up vote
                    1
                    down vote










                    up vote
                    1
                    down vote









                    I think the other answers are ok but I just wanted to expand a little to try to give you a different point of view.




                    when one meets a stranger in the streets, for example, how would they
                    say “goodbye” to them?




                    As I said in a comment, this is not very clear. It could depend a lot on how the interaction goes on, what do you say, how old is the stranger compared to you etc.



                    However, what I want to say is: Don't assume you MUST say "goodbye" just because your native language/culture has taught you that it is the right thing to do.



                    A very important thing when learning a new language is to "get out" the mentality where you automatically port everything from your own culture.



                    Just as often "literal translation" does not work, the same is true for cultural habits.



                    Therefore, to go back to your question, don't think you necessarily have to say "goodbye", whether it is さようなら、では、じゃあ、またね, etc.
                    Depending on the conversation, it might be perfectly fine to just say nothing.



                    For example, the stranger asks you for an indication (how to go somewhere or find some place). Then, the conversation might just end with him thanking you, and you saying, いいえ or どういたしまして or whatever, and you both walk away. And that's perfectly fine.






                    share|improve this answer












                    I think the other answers are ok but I just wanted to expand a little to try to give you a different point of view.




                    when one meets a stranger in the streets, for example, how would they
                    say “goodbye” to them?




                    As I said in a comment, this is not very clear. It could depend a lot on how the interaction goes on, what do you say, how old is the stranger compared to you etc.



                    However, what I want to say is: Don't assume you MUST say "goodbye" just because your native language/culture has taught you that it is the right thing to do.



                    A very important thing when learning a new language is to "get out" the mentality where you automatically port everything from your own culture.



                    Just as often "literal translation" does not work, the same is true for cultural habits.



                    Therefore, to go back to your question, don't think you necessarily have to say "goodbye", whether it is さようなら、では、じゃあ、またね, etc.
                    Depending on the conversation, it might be perfectly fine to just say nothing.



                    For example, the stranger asks you for an indication (how to go somewhere or find some place). Then, the conversation might just end with him thanking you, and you saying, いいえ or どういたしまして or whatever, and you both walk away. And that's perfectly fine.







                    share|improve this answer












                    share|improve this answer



                    share|improve this answer










                    answered 23 mins ago









                    Tommy

                    5,627724




                    5,627724




















                        up vote
                        0
                        down vote













                        If there's a chance of meeting them again, では、また is another option. では is a formal version of じゃあ.






                        share|improve this answer
























                          up vote
                          0
                          down vote













                          If there's a chance of meeting them again, では、また is another option. では is a formal version of じゃあ.






                          share|improve this answer






















                            up vote
                            0
                            down vote










                            up vote
                            0
                            down vote









                            If there's a chance of meeting them again, では、また is another option. では is a formal version of じゃあ.






                            share|improve this answer












                            If there's a chance of meeting them again, では、また is another option. では is a formal version of じゃあ.







                            share|improve this answer












                            share|improve this answer



                            share|improve this answer










                            answered 2 hours ago









                            TommyHigginsELL

                            713




                            713




















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