viszlát

Viszlát is a common Hungarian farewell used when parting from someone. It translates roughly as “goodbye” or “see you,” with the nuance of expecting to meet again. It is widely used in everyday speech and in informal or semi-formal contexts.

In usage, viszlát is appropriate when you anticipate another meeting or when a future encounter is likely. It can stand alone, as in Viszlát!, or be combined with a time reference, e.g., Viszlát holnap (See you tomorrow). For more formal partings, speakers often prefer viszontlátásra, literally “until we see each other again.”

Etymology and status: viszlát is often described as a shortened, colloquial form of viszontlátásra, the standard expression meaning “until (our) sight again.” The contraction reflects a common pattern in Hungarian where longer farewells are condensed in casual speech.

Variants and related phrases: in informal settings other quick partings include Szia (hello/goodbye) or simply a simple Viszlát, sometimes with a friendly nod or wave. For formal or written contexts, viszontlátásra is preferred. Other closing phrases include Isten vele (God be with you) or Have a good day, depending on region and level of formality.

Overall, viszlát functions as a versatile, everyday closing in Hungarian, signaling a parting with the expectation of a future meeting while remaining comfortably informal.