Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| увидимся | uvidimsja | [ʊˈvʲidʲɪmsʲə] (narrow) |
| пока́ | poká | |
| до встре́чи | do vstréči |
While some forms simply mean "bye," others specifically imply that you will encounter the person again.
What does it mean word for word?
The word увидимся literally means "we will see each other."
Which one should you use?
пока́ is a very common, informal way to say "bye," whereas увидимся implies a future meeting. до встре́чи is more neutral or slightly more formal than пока́ and is used when you expect to meet the person again.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
пока́ is an informal way to say see you, similar to the English "bye" or "goodbye." до встре́чи is neutral or slightly more formal than пока́. If you need a formal way to say goodbye, use до свидания.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form увидимся is a single word and does not require a separate object like "you" because the reflexive suffix indicates the action is reciprocal.
How do you pronounce it?
uvidimsja
Did you know?
- In many Russian contexts, instead of saying 'see you', people often use the word счастливо́, which literally means 'happily' but functions as a standard way to wish someone a good departure.
- While English speakers often say 'see you' to anyone, using the informal пока́ with a stranger or a superior in Russia can be perceived as being overly familiar or even slightly rude.
- The word до in the phrase до встре́чи shares a common Proto-Indo-European ancestor with the English preposition 'to'.
Examples in context
- Увидимся в новом году.I'll see you in the new year.This sentence shows how to use увидимся when referring to a specific time like the new year.Tatoeba #2236496 by marafon, translation #1020009 by sundown
- Увидимся часов в семь.See you about 7.This sentence uses увидимся to specify a time for a meeting.Tatoeba #2773030 by marafon, translation #72342 by CK
- Когда мы ещё увидимся?When will I see you again?This sentence is an example of asking a question using увидимся.Tatoeba #4386648 by girasole, translation #3826859 by CK
- Спасибо за встречу! До свидания!Thank you for the meeting! Goodbye!
- Было приятно поработать с вами. Увидимся!It was nice working with you. See you!
- Ну, пока! Увидимся завтра!Well, bye! See you tomorrow!
- Спасибо за вечер. До скорого!Thanks for the evening. See you soon!
- 250 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sergey and Maria are saying goodbye after a coffee date.
- Сергей SergeyМне пора идти.Mne pora idti.I have to go.
- Мария MariaХорошо, увидимся!Khorosho, uvidimsya!Okay, see you!
- Сергей SergeyДо завтра, Мария.Do zavtra, Mariya.Until tomorrow, Maria.
- Мария MariaПока, Сергей.Poka, Sergey.Bye, Sergey.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “see you” translations and entries увидимся, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries до, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
