до скорого
do skorogo
The English phrase "talk to you later" is translated into Russian as до скорого (do skorogo).
до скорого is a casual way to say goodbye when you expect to speak with the person again soon.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a shortened version of до скорого времени, which literally means until the soon time.
Which one should you use?
While до свидания is a standard, more neutral "goodbye" that does not necessarily imply seeing the person again soon, до скорого implies a quick or certain reunion.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
до скорого is informal and is best used with friends, family or peers rather than in a formal business setting.
How do you pronounce it?
do skorogo
Did you know?
- In very informal settings, Russians may shorten до скорого even further or use давай, which literally means 'give'. In this context, it functions as a slangy 'bye' or 'take care'.
- Because it implies a quick reunion, using до скорого when you actually have no intention of seeing the person again can come across as unintentionally sarcastic or mocking in Russian culture.
- The word до in this phrase shares a common Proto-Indo-European ancestor with the English preposition 'to', despite their very different modern meanings.
Examples in context
- Ну всё, до скорого.Nu vsyo, do skorogo.Well, that's it, talk to you later.
- Я побежал, до скорого!Ya pobezhal, do skorogo!I've got to run, talk to you later!
Example conversation
Two friends are leaving a cafe after a quick meeting.
- Анастасия AnastasiaАндрей, мне пора уходить.Andrey, mne pora ukhodit'.Andrey, I have to go now.
- Андрей AndreyХорошо, Анастасия. До скорого!Khorosho, Anastasiya. Do skorogo!Okay, Anastasia. Talk to you later!
- Анастасия AnastasiaДо скорого!Do skorogo!Talk to you later!
- Андрей AndreyПока!Poka!Bye!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries до, CC BY-SA 4.0.
