vi ses
The Swedish phrase for "see you" is vi ses.
vi ses is used as an informal way to say "see you later". It translates to "we'll see each other".
Meaning: see you later (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally means "we see each other".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
vi ses is an informal expression. While common, it is more informal than saying adjö.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Gothenburg and its surrounding areas, the informal phrase vi syns is also used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb ses is the reflexive form of se (to see), used here to indicate a reciprocal action.
When do people say it?
Another common informal way to say bye is Hej då.
Did you know?
- The word vi is also a distant relative of the Latin word 'victima', stemming from an ancient root meaning to set something aside as holy or to sacrifice.
- Despite meaning 'see you', vi ses is often used as a complete farewell instead of just a promise to meet again.
- The phrase vi ses avoids the formality of adjö, which can sound overly dramatic or final to modern Swedes.
Examples in context
- Vi ses i morgon!See you tomorrow.Tatoeba #2242154 by herrsilen, translation #497969 by CM
- Vi ses vid huset!See you at the house!Tatoeba #1959112 by herrsilen, translation #1224054 by Ketutar
- Vi ses på jobbet.I'll see you at work.Tatoeba #3838278 by herrsilen, translation #2547814 by CK
- Jag måste gå nu, vi ses imorgon!I have to go now, see you tomorrow!
- 19 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Erik and Maja are leaving a cafe.
- ErikTack för kaffet, Maja!Thanks for the coffee, Maja!
- MajaIngen fara, Erik.No problem, Erik.
- ErikVi ses snart igen!See you again soon!
- MajaJa, vi ses!Yes, see you!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “see you” translations and entries vi ses, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries vi, vi ses, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
