Tot ziens
standard, neutral
Tot ziens is the standard Dutch way to say goodbye. It literally means "until we see each other again" and fits shops, offices and everyday life. It is also called Doei and Tot straks.
Meaning: goodbye, see you later (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Dutch | Note |
|---|---|
| Tot ziens | standard, neutral |
| Doei | casual |
| Tot straks | see you soon |
Say it when you leave a shop, an appointment or a conversation. It works with strangers and with people you know.
Which one should you use?
Doei is the casual version for friends and family. Tot straks means "see you in a bit" and is used when you will meet again the same day.
How does it change in a sentence?
Tot means "until" and ziens is the verb zien in a noun-like form, so the phrase has no direct English grammar match.
How do you pronounce it?
It sounds close to "tot ZEENS". The ie is a long "ee" and the z is voiced.
Did you know?
- Dutch tot ziens follows the same idea as German auf Wiedersehen and French au revoir, all meaning "until we see again".
Examples in context
- Dank u wel en tot ziens!Thank you and goodbye!
- Doei, tot morgen!Bye, see you tomorrow!
- Tot straks, ik ben zo terug.See you in a bit, I will be right back.
Example conversation
Emma pays at a bookshop in Utrecht and says goodbye to the shop assistant.
- VerkoperDat is dan twaalf euro.That will be twelve euros.
- EmmaAlstublieft. Dank u wel.Here you go. Thank you.
- VerkoperGraag gedaan. Tot ziens!You are welcome. Goodbye!
- EmmaTot ziens!Goodbye!
