adiós
Goodbye; a farewell expression used when parting from someone.
Definitions
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1
Used to say farewell when leaving or ending a conversation.
“Después de la reunión, todos dijeron adiós y salieron.”
After the meeting, everyone said goodbye and left.
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2
Used informally to acknowledge passing someone, similar to a quick 'hi' or wave (common in some Latin American regions).
“Cuando pasé por el vecino en la calle, le dije adiós con la mano.”
When I passed my neighbor on the street, I waved goodbye to him.
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3
Used figuratively to express that something is lost or gone.
“Con tanta lluvia, el partido de fútbol dijo adiós a sus posibilidades de ganar.”
With so much rain, the football match said goodbye to its chances of winning.
Word forms
- Usage
- Invariable interjection; does not change form.
Literally derived from 'a Dios' (to God), similar to the French 'adieu'. It carries a slightly more final or formal tone than 'hasta luego' (see you later) or 'chao/chau'. In some parts of Latin America (e.g., Colombia, Argentina), 'adiós' can also be used as a casual greeting when passing someone without stopping — equivalent to a brief 'hi' rather than a farewell.