Sayonara

Sayonara (さようなら) is a Japanese word used to mean "goodbye," but it typically implies a more extended parting than a simple "bye." It suggests that the speaker and the listener will not be seeing each other again for a significant period of time, or possibly never. While widely understood and adopted in global language, it's crucial to note that, in Japanese, it can also imply a sense of finality and can sometimes be perceived as cold or distant in casual settings. Therefore, Japanese speakers often prefer more common and less definitive farewells like "Ja ne" (See ya) or "Mata ne" (See you later) in daily interactions.

Sayonara meaning with examples

• After the lengthy business trip, Hiroshi waved from the airport and said, "Sayonara," to his colleagues, knowing he wouldn't see them for at least a year. The weight of the word hung in the air, filled with the distance ahead.
• The elderly couple, after years of living in their beloved home, sold it and said "Sayonara" to their neighbours and local community. The emotional goodbye marked the end of an era, the finality underscored by the word choice.
• The departing guest, after a lovely evening, bowed deeply and said, "Sayonara," knowing this was the last gathering with their host. The use of this word conveyed a sense of gratitude and departure.
• With tears in her eyes, she whispered "Sayonara" to the departing ship, her heart heavy with the understanding she might never see her loved ones again. The word became a testament of longing and finality.
• The lead character of the film uttered a resolute, "Sayonara," to his former life, a powerful statement of new beginnings, leaving the past behind forever. The word became a powerful symbol of closure and change.