adiós

Adiós is a Spanish word used to express farewell, equivalent to “goodbye” or “farewell” in English. It derives from the contraction of the prepositional phrase “a Dios,” literally “to God.” Historically, it began as a religious blessing upon parting, and over time it became a general farewell across Spanish-speaking communities.

The expression is used in both formal and informal contexts. It can convey varying degrees of finality or emotional weight depending on tone and situation: a casual departure among friends, a courteous closing in service contacts, or a solemn parting when leaving for a long time. In daily speech, speakers often pair it with wishes or alternatives such as “hasta luego,” “nos vemos,” “hasta mañana,” or “chau” (from Italian). In some regions, “adiós” is the standard farewell, potentially implying a longer separation than a temporary parting. It is common to add a simple wish after it, for example “adiós, que te vaya bien.”

Culturally, adiós appears in literature, film, and music as a neutral or poignant closing. It is widely recognized across Spain and Latin America and beyond as a convenient sign-off in conversation and informal writing. In more formal written communication, other closings or phrases may be preferred, but adiós remains a staple everyday farewell in many Spanish-speaking settings.