Goodbyes

Have you mastered saying salâm (hello, سلام) in Persian, but you’re stuck when it comes to “goodbye”? Well, here it is: learn 13 ways to say goodbye in Persian. This selection of phrases in Farsi and Dari is sure to impress your Persian friends ‘til you meet again.

1. Khodâhâfez (خداحافظ) — Across the Persian-Speaking World

This is the most common way of saying goodbye in Persian. Khodâhâfez, as well as its shortened counterpart, khodâfes, literally translate to “May God protect [you].” You can repeat the same phrase back in response, or simply mix and match with some of the suggestions listed below! One could also respond with be salâmat (به‌ سلامت), meaning “with [good] health,” in semi-formal settings or when replying to an elder.

2. Felân (فعلاً) — Across the Persian-Speaking World

This colloquial phrase is the Persian way of saying “[goodbye] for now,” and is usually used when a person intends to see the other in the near future. You can repeat felân (فعلاً) in response, or use khodâfes (خداحافظ), or try the next suggested phrase: mîbînamet (میبینمت).

3. Mîbînamet (میبینمت) — Across the Persian-Speaking World

Another alternative if you are going to see someone again soon is to opt for the equivalent of “see you,” which is mîbînamet (میبینمت), literally translating to “I will see you.” This is considered a more ”cutesy” colloquial term, and the same phrase can be said back in reply, or it can be mixed and matched with any of the other phrases marked as colloquial in this article.

4. Tâ ba’d (تا بعد) — Across the Persian-Speaking World

Tâ ba’d (تا بعد) is the formal/semi-formal version of the previous two expressions, and it literally translates to “until later.” An appropriate reply could be the same phrase, felân (فعلاً), or khodâhâfez (خداحافظ).

5. Be omîde dîdâr (به امید دیدار) — Across the Persian-Speaking World 

If you find yourself parting from a semi-formal setting with one or more people, you can say be omîde dîdâr (به امید دیدار), which means, “in hopes of seeing you [again]” in the indefinite future. The response could be the same back or, more formally, hamchenîn (همچنین), meaning “likewise.”

6. Khodâ negahdâr (خدا نگهدار) — Across the Persian-Speaking World

A more formal version of khodâhâfez (خداحافظ), this phrase translates to “[May] God protect/take care of you.” It is commonly heard among the older generations. For example, an elder may wish a younger person farewell in this way. A typical response would be khodâhâfez (خداحافظ) or, more formally, be salâmat (به‌ سلامت), “with [good] health.”

7. Khudâ yâret (خدا یارت) — Afghanistan

This commonly-used phrase in Dari means, “[May] God be with you.” One way to reply could be khudâ yâre tû hamchenân (خدا یار تو همچنان), meaning “[May] God be with you, too.” This phrase is also used in Farsi, though in more formal settings or among the older generations.

8. Panâhet ba khodâ (پناهت به خدا) — Afghanistan

This common Dari phrase means, “[May you seek] refuge in God.” The Farsi equivalent to this is khodâ posht va panâhet (خدا پشت و پناهت), meaning “[May] God protect you.” One would usually respond with salâmat bâshi (سلامت باشی), meaning “[May you] be well/healthy,”  a typical expression of gratitude.

9. Bâmâne khudâ (بامان خدا) — Afghanistan

Bâmâne khudâ (بامان خدا) is a common Dari phrase, literally translating to “with God’s safety.” It is the shortened version of the more formal be amâne khudâ (به امان خدا). The Farsi equivalent of this phrase is dar amâne khodâ (در امان خدا), though it is used in more formal settings and typically heard among older generations (or an elder bidding a younger person farewell). Khodâhâfez (خدا حافظ) would be a common response here.

10. Shab bekheir (شب بخیر) — Across the Persian-Speaking World

This phrase means “good night” and is used as a way to say goodbye to someone at night time or in the evening. When addressing elders or a group of people, one would say shabetûn bekheir (شبتون بخیر). The reply can be the same phrase back: shab bekheir (شب بخیر) or shabetûn bekheir (شبتون بخیر).

11. Shab khôsh (شب خوش) — Across the Persian-Speaking World

This is another way to say goodnight, though quite formal. When addressing an elder or more than one person, one would say shabetûn khôsh (شبتون خوش). It is common to reply back with shab khôsh (شب خوش) or shab bekheir (شب بخیر), or their plural forms in group or formal settings: shabetûn khôsh (شبتون خوش) or or shabetûn bekheir (شبتون بخیر).

12. Movâzeb khôdet bâsh (مواظب خودت باش) — Across the Persian-Speaking World

This phrase has very similar connotations to the English expression “Take care [of yourself]!” It is common to use môvâzeb khôdet bâsh (مواظب خودت باش) when someone is about to travel or experience a difficult endeavor — in this way you are showing your care and concern for what the other person is about to go through. The typical response would be mersî (مرسی) or mamnûnam (ممنونم); the informal and formal ways of saying “thank you,” respectively.

13. Bedrûd (بدرود) — Across the Persian-Speaking World

This is a very formal term for “goodbye,” originating in the Old Persian language. It is less commonly used in speech today, though still heard on formal television and radio programs.

Have we missed anything? Let us know other ways you say “goodbye” in Persian here! And if you didn’t catch our earlier posts on Persian greetings and different ways to say “I love you,” don’t forget to check them out!

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