sayonara

USAGE SUMMARY

'sayonara' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You typically use 'sayonara' when you want to say goodbye. Example: Have a great day at work! Sayonara.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

After Mr Woodford departed the building, and after a media scrum, he ducked into a grey van, waved and shouted a friendly "sayonara!" But he will be back.

The Economist

It could be premature to say sayonara to Japan's current-account surplus.

The Economist

A few nights later he delivered his first "sayonara" hit, a game-winning run.Traditionally, the Japanese have rated teamwork above the skill of the individual.

The Economist

In 1957 he acted opposite Marlon Brando in the war drama Sayonara.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mick Hucknall commented on Simply Red's sayonara: "We want to share this closing anniversary [it is 25 years since they began] with all the people who have enjoyed our sound throughout the years... We all hope to see you at a show somewhere soon".

Independent

The girls beamed and one of them replied, "Thank you, and, in your own language, sayonara".

The New Yorker

Ms. Quinn: If we ever had to temporarily relocate again, we would break our lease and say sayonara.

The New York Times

I guess when you've been mayor as long and large as he has, you get much more than the standard sayonara: you get a laborious countdown, serial autopsies, a clutch of would-be successors appraising you with the kind of warmth accorded the Wicked Witch of the West.

The New York Times

If it goes past the scheduled March 29 recess, sayonara.

The New York Times

"Unfortunately, sayonara," she said, directing Dr. Merianos to begin cutting.

The New York Times - Health

David Bonderman, the head of the private equity giant TPG Capital, recently said that "we stay away from places that have impossible governments and impossible tax regimes, which means sayonara to India".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sayonara" when you want to add a touch of Japanese flair to your farewell, but be mindful of your audience and the context. It's most appropriate when there's a connection to Japanese culture or people.

Common error

Avoid using "sayonara" excessively or in contexts where it feels out of place. Overusing it can come across as affected or insincere, especially if there's no connection to Japanese culture.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "sayonara" is that of an interjection, used to express farewell, equivalent to 'goodbye' in English. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is a correct and usable word. It can also function as a noun, referring to the act of saying goodbye.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

According to Ludwig, "sayonara" is a grammatically correct and usable word in English, primarily functioning as an interjection to express 'goodbye'. With numerous examples from reliable sources like The New York Times and The Economist, it's evident that "sayonara" is a commonly used farewell. While appropriate in many contexts, it's best to consider your audience, especially if there's no relation to Japanese culture, as noted. You can use other alternatives such as "goodbye", "farewell", or even "see you later" to diversify your phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

goodbye

A common and versatile farewell, suitable for most situations.

farewell

A more formal and literary way of saying goodbye.

adieu

A French term for goodbye, often used in formal or dramatic contexts.

adios

A Spanish term for goodbye.

so long

An informal way of saying goodbye.

see you later

A common and casual farewell, implying a future meeting.

bye bye

A very informal and often childish way of saying goodbye.

auf wiedersehen

A German term for goodbye, meaning until we meet again.

au revoir

A French term for goodbye, similar to adieu but less formal.

cheerio

A British English term for goodbye, often used in a lighthearted way.

FAQs

How do you use "sayonara" in a sentence?

"Sayonara" is typically used as an interjection to express farewell, similar to "goodbye". For example, you could say, "Well, it's been nice talking to you. Sayonara!"

What is the literal translation of "sayonara"?

The most direct translation of "sayonara" is "goodbye". However, it can also carry a nuance of finality or a longer-term separation compared to more casual farewells.

Are there situations where it's inappropriate to use "sayonara"?

While generally acceptable, using "sayonara" might be inappropriate in very formal settings or when addressing someone unfamiliar with Japanese culture. In such cases, a simple "goodbye" or "farewell" may be more suitable.

What can I say instead of "sayonara"?

You can use alternatives like "goodbye", "farewell", or "see you later" depending on the context. If you want to add a touch of another language without being specifically Japanese, consider "adios".