hasta nunca
/ˌasta ˈnunka/
The English phrase "see you never" is expressed in Spanish as hasta nunca.
Hasta nunca is a dramatic way to say goodbye to someone when you never intend to see them again. It explicitly denies the possibility of a future meeting.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of hasta (until) and nunca (never), literally translating to "until never".
Which one should you use?
While the common phrase hasta luego implies a future meeting (see you later), hasta nunca is used to ensure the person knows you will not meet again.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌasta ˈnunka/
Did you know?
- The word hasta may trace its roots back to the Arabic word ḥattā, meaning 'until'. This reflects the profound linguistic influence of the Arabic language on Spanish during the Middle Ages.
- While hasta nunca is a definitive bridge-burner, Spanish speakers often use the phrase hasta la vista to signal a more cinematic or stylized departure.
Examples in context
- ¡Hasta nunca!See you never!
- Vete de mi vida, hasta nunca.Get out of my life, see you never.
- No vuelvas, hasta nunca.Don't come back, see you never.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are having a heated argument during a breakup.
- Alejandro¡No quiero volver a verte!I don't want to see you ever again!
- Elena¡Pues hasta nunca, Alejandro!Well, see you never, Alejandro!
- Alejandro¡Me alegro de que te vayas!I'm glad you're leaving!
- Elena¡Adiós para siempre!Goodbye forever!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry hasta nunca, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hasta, nunca, CC BY-SA 4.0.
