Bonjour! If you’re looking to say “until next time” in French, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re planning a trip to France or simply want to impress your French-speaking friends, this guide will provide you with various ways to express this sentiment in both formal and informal situations. So, let’s get started!
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Formal Ways to Say “Until Next Time”
In more formal situations, you might want to use these phrases to bid farewell until you meet again.
1. “À la prochaine fois”
This phrase translates literally to “until the next time” and is the most common and neutral way to express “until next time” in formal French.
Example: Merci pour votre aide. À la prochaine fois! (Thank you for your help. Until next time!)
2. “Au revoir et à bientôt”
This phrase combines “goodbye” (au revoir) with “see you soon” (à bientôt), making it a slightly more personal and friendly farewell.
Example: J’ai vraiment apprécié cette réunion. Au revoir et à bientôt! (I really enjoyed this meeting. Goodbye and see you soon!)
Informal Ways to Say “Until Next Time”
For less formal or casual situations, you can use the following expressions to bid someone farewell until you see them again.
1. “À plus tard”
This phrase translates to “see you later” and is commonly used among friends, colleagues, or acquaintances.
Example: C’était super de te revoir. À plus tard! (It was great seeing you again. See you later!)
2. “Salut, on se revoit”
Using “salut” (hi/bye) and “on se revoit” (we’ll see each other again) together gives an informal and friendly tone to your farewell.
Example: Bon, je dois y aller. Salut, on se revoit! (Well, I have to go. Bye, see you next time!)
Regional Variations
While the phrases mentioned above are widely used in French, it’s worth noting that regional variations exist throughout the francophone world. Here are a couple of examples:
1. Quebec French: “À la prochaine”
Quebec French often uses the shortened version “À la prochaine” instead of “À la prochaine fois.” This is a regional difference that still conveys the same meaning.
Example: C’était agréable de te voir. À la prochaine! (It was nice seeing you. Until next time!)
2. Belgian French: “À tantôt”
In Belgian French, “À tantôt” is commonly used to say “until next time.” It can be seen as a regional equivalent to “À plus tard.”
Example: Passe une bonne journée. À tantôt! (Have a nice day. Until next time!)
Additional Tips for Saying “Until Next Time”
Now that you have some phrases at your disposal, here are a few extra tips to make your farewell more authentic:
1. Match the Level of Formality
When bidding someone farewell in French, it is essential to adapt your choice of phrase to the level of formality of the situation. Using a formal expression might be appropriate in professional settings, while informal phrases are better suited for casual encounters.
2. Body Language and Tone
In France, body language and tone play an important role in communication. Make sure to pair your chosen farewell phrase with a friendly smile, appropriate eye contact, and a warm tone of voice to convey sincerity.
3. Suitable Timing
Choose the right moment to say “until next time.” It’s best to choose a natural breakpoint in the conversation or event to bid farewell and express your desire to meet again.
4. Take Note of Cultural Customs
French customs may vary, so it’s helpful to be observant of local practices. For example, in some regions, it is customary to greet people with a kiss on each cheek, while in others, a simple handshake suffices. Being aware of these cultural nuances can enhance your interactions.
With these tips, phrases, and examples in mind, you are now well-equipped to say “until next time” in French with confidence and finesse. Bonne continuation!
