Spanish word of the day: Despedida

When it's time to say goodbye

What does despedida mean?

Despedida (feminine noun) – A farewell, goodbye, or send-off. It’s the word you use when someone is leaving—whether it’s for a trip, a new job, or just the end of a gathering. In Spanish, despedida can refer to the act of saying goodbye, a farewell party, or even the words you use to part ways.

Example sentences with despedida

  • Le organizamos una despedida antes de que se mudara a otra ciudad.
    🎉👋 We organized a farewell party before she moved to another city.

  • La despedida fue emotiva y llena de abrazos.
    😭🤗 The goodbye was emotional and full of hugs.

  • Siempre me cuesta encontrar las palabras adecuadas para una despedida.
    📝😔 I always find it hard to find the right words for a farewell.

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Despedida in context

You’ll hear despedida in all kinds of situations—when someone leaves a job, moves away, or even at the end of a vacation. It’s also used for special events like despedida de soltero/a (bachelor or bachelorette party). The word carries a sense of closure, emotion, and often, celebration of what’s been shared.

If you want to sound natural in Spanish, use despedida whenever you’re talking about goodbyes, partings, or send-offs. It’s a word that captures both the sadness and the warmth of saying goodbye, making it perfect for heartfelt conversations.

See you tomorrow with a new Spanish word!

—Teacher Víctor