Lesson 4: Saying Goodbye
I’m going to miss you!

I can say goodbye in various situations.

INTRODUCE

There are many ways to say goodbye that don’t include the word “goodbye.”

PRESENT

STEP A EXPRESSIONS

I. Go over the expressions with your tutor.

    1. It’s getting late is used to indirectly say that you’re ready to go home.

     

    It’s getting late. I should probably go home.

     

     

    2. I should get going is used to politely hint that you are ready to leave.

     

    I should get going. Thanks for tonight, Tina!

     

     

    3. I’m going to miss you is used to say that you’ll be thinking about someone when you’re apart. This expression is generally only said when you won’t see that person again for a while.

     

    I’m going to miss you. Call me often, Emma!

     

    II. How would you say goodbye in the following situations? Use the expressions above.

     

    You’ve been hanging out at a friend’s house all day. You’re a bit bored.

     

    You just finished eating dinner with a coworker at a restaurant near your office. It’s 10:00 p.m.

     

    You’re at your friend’s farewell party. He’s moving to France next week.

STEP B PRONUNCIATION

When one word ends with a consonant sound and the next word also starts with a consonant sound, the words may be combined for easier pronunciation.
Phrase Example

going to miss you

/ gon-na mis-yoo /

I’m / gon-na mis-yoo /, Sam.

UNDERSTAND

SPEAKING

Kelsie is at Gracie’s wedding reception. She’s talking with her old friend Addison.

Addison:

Oh, you’re going back to Japan tomorrow morning? That’s too soon! Can’t you stay here a little bit longer?

Kelsie:

I wish I could, but I really can’t. I need to get back to work. My manager is expecting me to complete all the paperwork that I left on my desk by the end of this week. (laughs)

Addison:

That’s too bad. I was hoping to spend more time with you. Anyway, I saw your post about this “friend” of yours last night. What was that about?

Kelsie:

Oh, you read it?

Addison:

Yeah. What happened?

Kelsie:

(sighs) Well, it’s about one of my best friends back in Japan. I’m not sure if you already know this… I was dating this guy named Charlie, but we broke up. This friend knew the story of how he dumped me and how I still had feelings for him. Anyway, I got a message from an old coworker last night. She said that she saw my friend and Charlie on a date! Can you believe that?

Addison:

What a jerk! You know what? You deserve better – a better boyfriend and a better friend.

Kelsie:

I know… I want to talk about this with my other best friend, but she’s also close with the backstabber. (sighs) Anyway, it’s getting late. I should get going. My flight is at 8:00 in the morning, and I still need to pack my things. (hugs) I’m going to miss you!

Addison:

I’ll miss you too, Kelsie. Keep in touch, okay?

Kelsie:

For sure!

TRIVIA

Many Japanese speakers translate the phrase wasurenai de kudasai (忘れないでください) as don’t forget me, but this sounds overly dramatic in English and can make native speakers feel uncomfortable. It’s better to just say keep in touch.

PRACTICE

STEP A EXERCISE

The underlined expressions are close but not quite correct. Correct them.

  1. It got late. I think we should start heading home.
  2. My mom just called, so I should go getting.
  3. I miss you, Martha! Take care!

STEP B EXERCISE

Complete the dialogues using the pictures and the expressions in the box.

it’s getting late
I should get going
I’m going to miss you

1.

Student: Have a safe trip! __________.

Tutor: I’ll be sure to email you every day!

 

2.

Student: __________. I have to go.

Tutor: Oh, you’re right. I didn’t notice it was already past 9:00!

 

3.

Student: __________. I don’t want to miss the bus.

Tutor: Okay! See you later!

CHALLENGE

Challenge 1

You’re at a farewell party for your friend who is moving back to his/her hometown next week. You have to leave the party by 10 p.m. because you have to get up early tomorrow. Chat with your friend and say goodbye when it’s time for you to leave.

Today's Expressions

  • It’s getting late.
  • I should get going.
  • I’m going to miss you.

Challenge 2

Discuss your ideas.

If Time
Allows
1

GOODBYES
2

KEEPING IN TOUCH
3

LEAVING AN EVENT
1

GOODBYES

  1. Is it difficult for you to say goodbye?
  2. Are goodbyes always sad?
  3. How do people usually say goodbye in Japan (ex. with a hug, by bowing)?
  4. Is it ever okay to skip saying goodbye?

2KEEPING IN TOUCH

  1. Is it important to keep in touch with people?
  2. What are good ways to keep in touch with old friends?
  3. What makes keeping in touch with old friends difficult?
  4. Do you think that it’s easier to keep in touch with old friends now than it was 20 years ago?

3LEAVING AN EVENT

  1. Do you usually stay until the end or leave an event early?
  2. Have you ever made up an excuse just to leave an event early?
  3. Is it rude to leave an event early?
  4. If you were the host of a party, how would you feel about people leaving early?

FEEDBACK

I can say goodbye in various situations.

LESSON GOAL ACHIEVEMENT

  • 4
    Very Good

    Could complete the task with ease

  • 3
    Good

    Could complete the task with some clarifications

  • 2
    Fair

    Could complete the task with additional instructions

  • 1
    Poor

    Could somehow complete the task with difficulty

PERSONALIZED FEEDBACK