What does sayonara mean Meaning and Definition
What does sayonara mean
Pronunciation
/ˈseɪ.ən.ərə/
Part of Speech
Interjection
Definition
A spoken expression of farewell, typically bid to someone departing or leaving, originating from Japan and often used in Western contexts.
Etymology
Sayonara is derived from the Japanese phrase, “sayonara” (), which is a polite way to bid farewell. It was popularized in the Western world by the 1957 film “Thebridge on the River Kwai” and has since become a common expression in many languages.
Usage Notes
Sayonara is often used to express a sense of finality or closure, particularly in situations where separation is inevitable. It can be used in formal or informal settings and is a common phrase in business, social, or romantic contexts.
Cultural References
Sayonara has been featured in various forms of media, including films, literature, and music. It is often used to convey a sense of longing, nostalgia, or melancholy.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “Sayonara, Tokyo” – used to bid farewell to a city or a place.
- “Sayonara, my friend” – used to express a sense of finality or goodbye to a friendship.
Related Words or Phrases
- Bon voyage
- À bientôt
- Farewell
Collocations
- Sayonara party
- Final sayonara
- Sayonara tour
Frequency of Use
Sayonara is a relatively rare word in everyday conversation, but it is commonly used in formal or cultural contexts.
Common Misspellings
- Sayanara
- Sayonaara
- Sayanara