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The Latino goodbye, in Spanish

You said you were leaving forty-five minutes ago. You're still in the kitchen, holding a plate of leftovers. Welcome to the family.

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The one rule

Say goodbye to every single person, one by one, the same way you greeted them. Slipping out quietly can come across as rude.

Because everyone gets a hug, and every hug restarts a conversation, start saying goodbye about thirty minutes before you actually need to leave.

What to say

Ya nos vamos.We're heading out.Say it early. It starts the goodbye; it doesn't end it.
Ya nos tenemos que ir.We have to go now.
Muchas gracias por todo.Thank you so much for everything.
La pasé muy bien.I had a great time.Common in Mexico. You'll also hear Lo pasé muy bien.
Me dio mucho gusto verlos.It was so good to see you all.
Cuídense mucho.Take care, all of you.
Nos vemos pronto.See you soon.

What they'll say

¿Ya se van? ¡Si todavía es temprano!Leaving already? It's still early!
Llévense un poquito de comida.Take a little food with you.
Avísenme cuando lleguen.Let me know when you get home.

The leftovers

Say yes to the food. It's part of the goodbye, and refusing can feel like refusing the love that comes with it. Then bring the container back, clean, next time.

¡Ay, muchas gracias! ¡Qué rico!Oh, thank you so much! Delicious!
Le devuelvo el tóper la próxima vez.I'll bring the container back next time.Tóper, from Tupperware, is what many Mexican families call it.

After you leave

Send a message when you get home. It closes the goodbye, and someone is probably waiting for it.

Ya llegamos. ¡Gracias por todo!We're home. Thanks for everything!Send it to their mom, or the family group chat.
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Questions

Why do Latino goodbyes take so long?

Because everyone gets a goodbye, one by one, and each one restarts a conversation. Add leftovers being packed, and an hour goes fast.

Is it rude to leave a Latino party without saying goodbye?

Often, yes. Saying goodbye to each person matters as much as greeting them. If you must leave early, at least say goodbye to the hosts and the oldest relatives.

How do you say 'we have to go' politely in Spanish?

Ya nos tenemos que ir, followed by Muchas gracias por todo. Say it with a smile, and expect to hear ¿Ya se van?

What does Avísenme cuando lleguen mean?

Let me know when you get home. Send a quick message when you arrive: Ya llegamos.

Keep reading

Spanish phrases for meeting your partner's parentsGreetings, dinner talk, the questions they'll ask, and how to say goodbye.Christmas messages in Spanish for their familyCopy-and-send texts for the group chat, your suegra, and the abuela.What to say when you give a gift in SpanishHanding it over, thanking them, and what to bring.How to compliment the food in Spanish¡Qué rico!, asking for the recipe, and saying no to a third plate.