How to Say Goodbye in Russian: 10 Ways from Formal to Intimate

Russian goodbyes encode relationship, time of day, and intent. Choose wisely.

Core Goodbyes

1. До свидания (Do svidaniya) — Universal formal. "Until meeting." Safe everywhere.
2. Пока (Poka) — Informal. Friends, family, peers. Never to boss/elders.
3. Бай-бай (Bai-bai) — Very informal. Kids, close friends, pets. Loanword from English.

Time-Specific

4. Спокойной ночи (Spokoinoy nochi) — "Good night." Only at bedtime/parting evening.
5. Хорошего дня (Khoroshego dnya) — "Have a good day." Daytime parting.

Well-Wishing

6. Удачи (Udachi) — "Good luck." Before exam, trip, challenge.
7. Всего хорошего (Vsego khoroshevo) — "All the best." Warm, semi-formal.
8. Береги себя (Beregi sebya) — "Take care." Caring, personal.

Future-Oriented

9. До встречи (Do vstrechi) — "See you later." Implies expected reunion.
10. Будь здоров (Bud' zdorov) — "Be healthy." Traditional, masculine, hearty.

Pronunciation Tips

• Stress matters: do svi-DA-ni-ya, spa-koi-NOY NO-chee.
• Soft signs (ь) = palatalize preceding consonant.
• Intonation: falling for statements, rising for well-wishes.

Cultural Note

Russians often chain goodbyes: "Do svidaniya, udachi, beregi sebya!" Leaving without multiple rounds seems abrupt. Phone calls: 3–5 exchanges before hang-up.