Greetings and welcome to this comprehensive guide on how to say “see ya later” in French. Whether you’re learning the language for a trip to France, to communicate with French-speaking friends, or simply out of pure curiosity, this guide will provide you with both formal and informal ways to bid farewell. We’ll also delve into regional variations if deemed necessary. So, without further ado, let’s explore the various ways to say “see ya later” in French!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “See Ya Later”
If you find yourself in a formal setting, such as a business meeting or meeting someone for the first time, these phrases will come in handy:
1. Au revoir
One of the most common and widely recognized phrases for saying “goodbye” in French is “au revoir.” This phrase can be used in both formal and informal settings. Its literal translation is “until we see each other again.”
TIP:
Remember that the proper pronunciation for “au revoir” is “oh ruh-vwahr.”
2. À bientôt
Literally meaning “see you soon,” “à bientôt” is another formal expression you can use to say “see ya later” in French. It leaves the conversation open to future possibilities of meeting again.
Example: After a productive business meeting, you could say, “Merci pour votre temps. À bientôt!” (Thank you for your time. See ya later!)
3. Au plaisir de vous revoir
If you want to express the pleasure you would have in seeing someone again, you can use the phrase “au plaisir de vous revoir.” Its translation is “looking forward to seeing you again.”
TIP:
Remember to pronounce “au plaisir de vous revoir” as “oh pleh-zeer duh voo ruh-vwahr.”
Informal Ways to Say “See Ya Later”
Now, let’s explore some informal ways of saying “see ya later.” These expressions are best suited for casual settings, among friends, or with people you’re already familiar with:
1. Salut
“Salut” is a versatile word that can be used for both “hello” and “goodbye” in informal situations. It’s commonly used among friends and equals a casual “see ya later” in English.
TIP:
The pronunciation of “salut” is “sah-lyoo.”
2. À plus tard
“À plus tard” is another common and informal way of saying “see ya later” in French. It translates directly to “see you later” and is a friendly, casual way of bidding farewell.
Example: When leaving a gathering of friends, you can say, “C’était super de vous voir ! À plus tard !” (It was great seeing you! See ya later!)
3. On se revoit
A slightly more colloquial phrase for saying “see ya later” is “on se revoit.” This translates to “we’ll see each other again” and also conveys a sense of informality.
TIP:
The pronunciation of “on se revoit” is “on suh ruh-vwah.”
Regional Variations
While French is the official language of France, there are slight regional variations in vocabulary and expressions across different French-speaking regions. Here are a couple of examples:
1. À tantôt (Québec)
In Quebec, Canada, it is common to hear the informal phrase “à tantôt” instead of “à plus tard.” This expression has a similar meaning and translates to “see you later.”
2. On se dit à tout à l’heure (Belgium)
In Belgium, you might come across the phrase “on se dit à tout à l’heure.” This informal expression, meaning “we’ll say see you in a little while,” serves as an equivalent to “see ya later” in Belgium.
Final Thoughts
Congratulations! You’ve now learned several formal and informal ways to say “see ya later” in French. Remember to adapt your choice of phrase depending on the context and level of formality. French can be a beautiful language to explore, and mastering these essential phrases will help you communicate more effectively with native French speakers.
Keep practicing, listen to native speakers to improve your pronunciation, and don’t be afraid to venture beyond the basics. Soon enough, you’ll be able to say “au revoir” or “salut” with confidence and ease just like a native speaker. Bonne chance!
