Learning how to say goodbye and express the sentiment of “until next time” is crucial for effective communication in any language. In French, there are several ways to convey this idea, each with its own nuance and context.
This article provides a detailed exploration of the various phrases and expressions used to say “until next time” in French, catering to learners of all levels. Understanding these nuances will enhance your ability to communicate naturally and appropriately in different social settings.
Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, this guide will equip you with the necessary vocabulary and knowledge to confidently bid farewell in French.
This article is particularly beneficial for students of French, travelers planning a trip to a French-speaking country, and anyone who interacts with French speakers regularly. By mastering these expressions, you’ll be able to build stronger relationships and navigate social situations with greater ease and confidence.
Let’s dive into the various ways to say “until next time” in French!
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition: Saying “Until Next Time” in French
- Structural Breakdown of Key Phrases
- Types and Categories of “Until Next Time” Expressions
- Examples of “Until Next Time” in French
- Usage Rules and Considerations
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics: Nuances and Subtleties
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Definition: Saying “Until Next Time” in French
The concept of “until next time” in French encompasses a range of expressions used to bid farewell while expressing the hope or expectation of a future encounter. Unlike a simple “goodbye,” these phrases often carry a warmer, more personal tone, implying a desire to maintain contact.
The specific phrase used depends heavily on the relationship between the speakers, the context of the situation, and the level of formality required. It’s more than just a translation; it’s about understanding the cultural nuances of parting ways in French-speaking societies.
In French, “until next time” can be expressed through various phrases such as “à la prochaine,” “à bientôt,” “au revoir,” and more specific variations that indicate when the next meeting might occur. Each of these phrases conveys a slightly different level of formality and expectation, making the choice of expression crucial for effective communication. Mastering these expressions allows you to convey not only the act of saying goodbye but also the sentiment of anticipation for future interactions.
Structural Breakdown of Key Phrases
Understanding the structure of common “until next time” phrases in French helps in grasping their meaning and usage. Here’s a breakdown of some key phrases:
- À la prochaine: This phrase literally translates to “to the next one.” À is a preposition meaning “to,” la is the feminine definite article “the,” and prochaine means “next.”
- À bientôt: This translates to “soon.” À means “to,” and bientôt means “soon.” This phrase implies that you expect to see the person again in the near future.
- Au revoir: This is the most common way to say goodbye and can also imply “until we see each other again.” Au is a contraction of à le (to the), and revoir means “to see again.”
- À plus tard: This means “see you later.” À means “to,” plus means “more,” and tard means “late.”
These phrases often function as adverbs or adverbial phrases, modifying the implied verb of seeing or meeting again. They are typically placed at the end of a conversation as a concluding remark. The preposition à is essential in most of these phrases, indicating a direction or expectation towards a future encounter.
Types and Categories of “Until Next Time” Expressions
French farewell expressions can be categorized based on their level of formality and the implied timeframe for the next meeting. Understanding these categories will help you choose the most appropriate phrase for different situations.
Formal Farewells
Formal farewells are used in professional settings, when addressing elders, or when speaking to someone you don’t know well. These expressions convey respect and politeness.
Examples include:
- Au revoir: The standard formal goodbye, suitable for almost any situation.
- À la prochaine: Slightly less formal than “au revoir” but still appropriate in many formal contexts.
- Je vous prie d’agréer, Madame/Monsieur, l’expression de mes sentiments distingués: A very formal and elaborate way to end a written letter or email, expressing distinguished sentiments.
Informal Farewells
Informal farewells are used with friends, family, and people you know well. These expressions are more relaxed and friendly.
Examples include:
- À bientôt: See you soon.
- À plus tard: See you later.
- Salut: Hi/Bye (very informal).
- À plus: Shortened version of “à plus tard.”
- Ciao: Borrowed from Italian, used informally.
Conditional Farewells
Conditional farewells imply a specific condition or expectation for the next meeting. These phrases are useful when you have a tentative plan or arrangement to see someone again.
Examples include:
- À demain: See you tomorrow.
- À lundi: See you on Monday.
- À la semaine prochaine: See you next week.
- À tout à l’heure: See you in a little while.
Time-Specific Farewells
Time-specific farewells are similar to conditional farewells but are more explicitly tied to a specific time or event. These phrases leave no ambiguity about when you expect to see the person again.
Examples include:
- À ce soir: See you tonight.
- À après: See you after.
- À notre prochaine réunion: Until our next meeting.
Examples of “Until Next Time” in French
To further illustrate the use of these phrases, here are several examples categorized by formality and context. These examples will help you understand how to use each expression in real-life situations.
Formal Examples
In formal settings, it’s important to maintain a level of respect and politeness. The following table provides examples of how to use formal farewell expressions in different contexts.
The table below shows how to use formal farewells.
| Context | French Phrase | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Ending a business meeting | Au revoir, Monsieur/Madame. Merci pour votre temps. | Goodbye, Sir/Madam. Thank you for your time. |
| Concluding a phone call with a client | Au revoir, et je vous souhaite une bonne journée. | Goodbye, and I wish you a good day. |
| Finishing a formal presentation | Merci de votre attention. Au revoir. | Thank you for your attention. Goodbye. |
| Leaving a formal dinner party | Au revoir, et merci pour cette agréable soirée. | Goodbye, and thank you for this pleasant evening. |
| Ending an interview | Au revoir, et j’espère avoir de vos nouvelles bientôt. | Goodbye, and I hope to hear from you soon. |
| Leaving a doctor’s office | Au revoir, Docteur. Merci beaucoup. | Goodbye, Doctor. Thank you very much. |
| Concluding a formal email | Cordialement, Au revoir. | Sincerely, Goodbye. |
| Bidding farewell to a professor | Au revoir, Professeur. À la prochaine. | Goodbye, Professor. Until next time. |
| Ending a conversation with your boss | Au revoir, Monsieur/Madame le Directeur. | Goodbye, Mr./Ms. Director. |
| Leaving a government office | Au revoir, et merci pour votre aide. | Goodbye, and thank you for your help. |
| After a formal event | Au revoir. J’ai passé une excellente soirée. | Goodbye. I had a great evening. |
| Leaving a store | Au revoir, et bonne journée. | Goodbye, and have a good day. |
| Ending a formal speech | Au revoir à tous, et merci encore. | Goodbye everyone, and thank you again. |
| When leaving a formal meeting | Au revoir, et à une prochaine réunion. | Goodbye, and until a future meeting. |
| After receiving assistance | Au revoir, et merci pour votre assistance. | Goodbye, and thank you for your assistance. |
| Leaving a formal reception | Au revoir, et félicitations pour l’événement. | Goodbye, and congratulations on the event. |
| Bidding farewell to a client | Au revoir, et nous restons à votre disposition. | Goodbye, and we remain at your service. |
| Concluding a business negotiation | Au revoir, et nous sommes impatients de travailler avec vous. | Goodbye, and we look forward to working with you. |
| Leaving a workplace | Au revoir, et bon courage à tous. | Goodbye, and good luck to everyone. |
| Ending a formal presentation | Au revoir, et merci de votre participation. | Goodbye, and thank you for your participation. |
| After a professional consultation | Au revoir, et n’hésitez pas à me contacter si besoin. | Goodbye, and don’t hesitate to contact me if needed. |
| Leaving a conference | Au revoir, et à la prochaine conférence. | Goodbye, and until the next conference. |
Informal Examples
In informal settings, you can use more relaxed and casual expressions. The following table provides examples of how to use informal farewell expressions with friends and family.
The table below shows how to use informal farewells.
| Context | French Phrase | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Leaving a friend’s house | À bientôt ! | See you soon! |
| Saying goodbye to a sibling | À plus tard ! | See you later! |
| Hanging up the phone with a friend | Salut ! On se reparle ! | Bye! We’ll talk again! |
| Leaving a casual gathering | Ciao ! | Ciao! |
| Texting a friend | À plus ! | Later! |
| Leaving a family dinner | À la prochaine ! | Until next time! |
| Seeing a friend off at the train station | Bon voyage, et à bientôt ! | Have a good trip, and see you soon! |
| Leaving a party | Salut ! Merci pour la soirée ! | Bye! Thanks for the party! |
| Ending a casual conversation | À plus ! On se voit ! | Later! See you! |
| Leaving a coffee shop with a friend | À la prochaine fois ! | Until next time! |
| Saying goodbye after a playdate | À bientôt, les enfants ! | See you soon, kids! |
| Ending a video call with a friend | Salut ! On se rappelle bientôt ! | Bye! We’ll call each other soon! |
| Leaving a picnic | À plus tard ! C’était super ! | See you later! It was great! |
| Saying goodbye to a neighbor | À bientôt ! Passe une bonne journée ! | See you soon! Have a good day! |
| After a casual lunch | Salut ! Merci pour le déjeuner ! | Bye! Thanks for lunch! |
| Leaving a study session | À plus tard ! On se retrouve la semaine prochaine ! | See you later! We’ll meet next week! |
| Saying goodbye to a classmate | À bientôt en classe ! | See you soon in class! |
| After hanging out with friends | Salut ! On se revoit vite ! | Bye! See you soon! |
| Leaving a get-together | Ciao ! Merci pour tout ! | Ciao! Thanks for everything! |
| Saying goodbye to a roommate | À plus tard ! Je sors ! | See you later! I’m going out! |
| After a movie night | Salut ! On se fait ça bientôt ! | Bye! Let’s do this again soon! |
| Saying goodbye to a family member | À bientôt ! Donne de tes nouvelles ! | See you soon! Keep in touch! |
Conditional Examples
Conditional farewells are used when you have a specific plan or expectation to see someone again. The following table provides examples of how to use conditional farewell expressions in different contexts.
The table below shows how to use conditional farewells.
| Context | French Phrase | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Planning to see someone tomorrow | À demain ! | See you tomorrow! |
| Meeting someone on Monday | À lundi ! | See you on Monday! |
| Seeing someone next week | À la semaine prochaine ! | See you next week! |
| Meeting someone in a little while | À tout à l’heure ! | See you in a little while! |
| Seeing someone tonight | À ce soir ! | See you tonight! |
| Meeting someone after a break | À après ! | See you after! |
| Next meeting is scheduled | À notre prochaine réunion ! | Until our next meeting! |
| Going to see someone later in the day | À plus tard dans la journée ! | See you later today! |
| Arranging to meet someone on Tuesday | À mardi ! | See you on Tuesday! |
| Planning to meet someone on Wednesday | À mercredi ! | See you on Wednesday! |
| Expecting to see someone on Thursday | À jeudi ! | See you on Thursday! |
| Meeting someone on Friday | À vendredi ! | See you on Friday! |
| Planning to meet on Saturday | À samedi ! | See you on Saturday! |
| Meeting someone on Sunday | À dimanche ! | See you on Sunday! |
| Seeing someone next month | Au mois prochain ! | See you next month! |
| Meeting someone next year | À l’année prochaine ! | See you next year! |
| Planning to see someone at a specific event | À la fête ! | See you at the party! |
| Meeting at a specific location | À l’école ! | See you at school! |
| Planning to meet at work | À plus tard au travail ! | See you later at work! |
| Meeting someone for dinner | À ce soir pour le dîner ! | See you tonight for dinner! |
| Planning to meet for lunch | À demain pour le déjeuner ! | See you tomorrow for lunch! |
Time-Specific Examples
Time-specific farewells are used when you want to be very clear about when you expect to see someone again. The following table provides examples of how to use time-specific farewell expressions.
The table below shows how to use time-specific farewells.
| Context | French Phrase | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Seeing someone later this evening | À ce soir ! | See you tonight! |
| Meeting someone right after a break | À tout de suite ! | See you right away! |
| Meeting someone after lunch | À après le déjeuner ! | See you after lunch! |
| Seeing someone before the end of the day | À plus tard dans la journée ! | See you later today! |
| Meeting someone at a specific time | À 15h ! | See you at 3 PM! |
| Seeing someone before the weekend | À vendredi ! | See you Friday! |
| Meeting someone during a specific event | À la conférence de demain ! | See you at tomorrow’s conference! |
| Seeing someone at a specific meeting | À la réunion de lundi ! | See you at Monday’s meeting! |
| Meeting someone at a scheduled event | À l’événement de ce soir ! | See you at tonight’s event! |
| Seeing someone during their break | À ta pause ! | See you at your break! |
| Meeting someone before they leave | À avant ton départ ! | See you before you leave! |
| Seeing someone before a trip | À avant ton voyage ! | See you before your trip! |
| Meeting someone before a party | À avant la fête ! | See you before the party! |
| Seeing someone before school starts | À avant l’école ! | See you before school! |
| Meeting someone after work | À après le travail ! | See you after work! |
| Seeing someone after class | À après les cours ! | See you after classes! |
| Meeting someone during a holiday | À pendant les vacances ! | See you during the holidays! |
| Seeing someone before a concert | À avant le concert ! | See you before the concert! |
| Meeting someone before a wedding | À avant le mariage ! | See you before the wedding! |
| Seeing someone before a big event | À avant le grand événement ! | See you before the big event! |
Usage Rules and Considerations
Using “until next time” expressions correctly involves understanding the nuances of formality, regional variations, and contextual appropriateness. Paying attention to these factors will help you communicate effectively and avoid misunderstandings.
Formality Levels
As mentioned earlier, the level of formality is crucial when choosing a farewell expression. Using an informal expression in a formal setting can be perceived as disrespectful, while using a formal expression with close friends can sound overly stiff.
Always consider your relationship with the person you are addressing and the context of the situation.
Regional Variations
While the standard expressions like “au revoir” and “à bientôt” are widely understood throughout the French-speaking world, some regional variations exist. For example, in some regions, you might hear “tchao” (borrowed from Italian) used more frequently than in others.
Being aware of these variations can help you better understand and adapt to different cultural contexts.
Contextual Appropriateness
The context of the conversation also plays a role in choosing the appropriate farewell expression. For example, if you are discussing a specific upcoming event or meeting, it’s more appropriate to use a time-specific expression like “à demain” or “à la semaine prochaine.” If you don’t have a specific plan, a more general expression like “à bientôt” or “à la prochaine” is more suitable.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even seasoned French learners sometimes make mistakes when using “until next time” expressions. Here are some common errors to avoid:
The table below shows some common mistakes to avoid when using “until next time” expressions.
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Au revoir, mon ami! (in a very informal setting) | Salut, mon pote! | “Au revoir” is too formal for close friends. |
| À la prochaine, Monsieur! (in a business meeting) | Au revoir, Monsieur! | “À la prochaine” is slightly less formal than “au revoir,” which is more appropriate in this context. |
| À tout à l’heure demain! | À demain! or À tout à l’heure! | Combining “à tout à l’heure” (in a little while) with “demain” (tomorrow) is redundant. |
| À le lundi! | À lundi! | The definite article “le” is not needed before the day of the week in this context. |
| Salut, Madame! | Au revoir, Madame! | “Salut” is too informal for addressing someone formally. |
| Bye, à bientôt! | À bientôt! or Au revoir! | Mixing English and French farewells is generally avoided. |
| À la semaine! | À la semaine prochaine! | “À la semaine” is incomplete. You need to specify “prochaine” (next). |
| Au revoir, mon frère! (when you will see him in 5 minutes) | À tout de suite, mon frère! | “Au revoir” implies a longer separation; “à tout de suite” is better for a short break. |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of “until next time” expressions with these practice exercises. Choose the most appropriate phrase for each scenario.
Exercise 1: Choose the correct farewell phrase (Formal)
Choose the correct farewell phrase for each scenario.
| Scenario | Options | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Ending a business meeting with a client. | a) Salut! b) Au revoir, Monsieur/Madame. c) À plus! | b) Au revoir, Monsieur/Madame. |
| Concluding an email to a professor. | a) À bientôt! b) Cordialement, Au revoir. c) Salut! | b) Cordialement, Au revoir. |
| Leaving a formal dinner party hosted by your boss. | a) Ciao! b) Au revoir, et merci pour cette agréable soirée. c) À plus tard! | b) Au revoir, et merci pour cette agréable soirée. |
| Ending a phone call with a customer service representative. | a) Salut! b) Au revoir, et bonne journée. c) À plus! | b) Au revoir, et bonne journée. |
| Concluding a presentation to a board of directors. | a) À plus tard! b) Merci de votre attention. Au revoir. c) Salut! | b) Merci de votre attention. Au revoir. |
| Saying goodbye to the president of a company after a meeting. | a) À bientôt! b) Au revoir, Monsieur le Président. c) Salut! | b) Au revoir, Monsieur le Président. |
| Leaving a government official’s office after a meeting. | a) À plus tard! b) Au revoir, et merci pour votre aide. c) Salut! | b) Au revoir, et merci pour votre aide. |
| Bidding farewell to a visiting dignitary. | a) À bientôt! b) Au revoir, et nous espérons vous revoir bientôt. c) Salut! | b) Au revoir, et nous espérons vous revoir bientôt. |
| After a formal interview. | a) À plus tard! b) Au revoir, et j’espère avoir de vos nouvelles bientôt. c) Salut! | b) Au revoir, et j’espère avoir de vos nouvelles bientôt. |
| Leaving a meeting with a potential investor. | a) À bientôt! b) Au revoir, et nous restons à votre disposition. c) Salut! | b) Au revoir, et nous restons à votre disposition. |
Exercise 2: Choose the correct farewell phrase (Informal)
Choose the correct farewell phrase for each scenario.
| Scenario | Options | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Leaving a friend’s house after a casual visit. | a) Au revoir! b) À bientôt! c) À la prochaine réunion! | b) À bientôt! |
| Ending a phone call with your best friend. | a) Au revoir! b) Salut! On se reparle! c) À ce soir! | b) Salut! On se reparle! |
| Texting a friend to say goodbye. | a) Au revoir! b) À plus! c) À la semaine prochaine! | b) À plus! |
| Leaving a casual gathering with friends. | a) Au revoir! b) Ciao! c) À lundi! | b) Ciao! |
| Saying goodbye to your sibling after dinner. | a) Au revoir! b) À plus tard! c) À tout à l’heure! | b) À plus tard! |
| Hanging up after a video call with a friend. | a) Au revoir! b) Salut! On se rappelle bientôt! c) À demain! | b) Salut! On se rappelle bientôt! |
| Leaving a coffee shop after meeting a friend. | a) Au revoir! b) À la prochaine fois! c) À ce soir! | b) À la prochaine fois! |
| Saying goodbye to a classmate after school. | a) Au revoir! b) À bientôt en classe! c) À la semaine prochaine! | b) À bientôt en classe! |
| Ending a study session with a friend. | a) Au revoir! b) À plus tard! On se retrouve la semaine prochaine! c) À ce soir! | b) À plus tard! On se retrouve la semaine prochaine! |
| Leaving a party at a friend’s house. | a) Au revoir! b) Salut! Merci pour la soirée! c) À la semaine prochaine! | b) Salut! Merci pour la soirée! |
Exercise 3: Fill in the blanks
Fill in the blanks with the appropriate farewell phrase.
| Scenario | Question | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| You are seeing someone tomorrow. | ________! | À demain! |
| You are meeting someone next week. | ________! | À la semaine prochaine! |
| You are meeting someone on Monday. | ________! | À lundi! |
| You are seeing someone in a little while. | ________! | À tout à l’heure! |
| You are seeing someone tonight. | ________! | À ce soir! |
| You are meeting someone after lunch. | ________! | À après le déjeuner! |
| You are seeing someone at the next meeting. | ________! | À notre prochaine réunion! |
| You are seeing someone later today. | ________! | À plus tard dans la journée! |
| You are seeing someone on Friday. | ________! | À vendredi! |
| You are seeing someone next year. | ________! | À l’année prochaine! |
Advanced Topics: Nuances and Subtleties
For advanced learners, understanding the subtle nuances and idiomatic expressions related to “until next time” can further enhance their communication skills. This includes recognizing implied meanings, understanding cultural references, and using more sophisticated vocabulary.
For example, the phrase “On se tient au courant” (We’ll keep in touch) is often used in professional settings to indicate a commitment to maintain communication. Similarly, “On se capte” (We’ll catch up) is an informal expression used among younger people, particularly via social media or mobile phones.
Another subtle nuance involves the use of irony or sarcasm. For instance, saying “À jamais!” (Forever!) can be used ironically when you don’t expect to see the person again or when the situation is humorous. These advanced usages require a deep understanding of French culture and social dynamics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently
asked questions about saying “until next time” in French, along with detailed answers to enhance your understanding.
When is it appropriate to use “Au revoir” instead of “À bientôt”?
Use “Au revoir” in formal settings or when you are unsure when you’ll see the person again. “À bientôt” is best used when you expect to see the person soon and in informal contexts.
Can I use “Salut” to say goodbye in all situations?
No, “Salut” is very informal and should only be used with friends, family, and people you know well. Avoid using it in professional or formal settings.
Is “À plus tard” more informal than “À bientôt”?
Yes, “À plus tard” is generally considered more informal than “À bientôt.” “À bientôt” implies seeing someone soon, while “À plus tard” simply means “see you later” without a specific timeframe.
How do I say “See you tomorrow” in French?
You say “See you tomorrow” in French as “À demain!”
What does “On se tient au courant” mean, and when should I use it?
“On se tient au courant” means “We’ll keep in touch.” Use it in professional contexts to indicate that you will maintain communication.
What is the difference between “À tout à l’heure” and “À tout de suite”?
“À tout à l’heure” means “See you in a little while,” while “À tout de suite” means “See you right away” or “See you immediately.”
How can I remember which phrase to use in different situations?
Practice using the phrases in context, pay attention to how native speakers use them, and review the formality levels discussed in this article. Immersion and consistent practice are key!
Are there any regional variations in how people say “until next time” in French?
Yes, while standard phrases like “au revoir” and “à bientôt” are widely understood, some regions may have their own informal expressions. For example, “Tchao” (borrowed from Italian) is common in some areas.
Is it rude to use an informal farewell with someone I don’t know well?
Yes, it can be considered impolite. Always err on the side of formality when addressing someone you don’t know well.
Use “Au revoir” in such cases.
How do I respond when someone says “À bientôt” to me?
You can simply respond with “À bientôt!” or “Au revoir!” You can also add “Avec plaisir!” (With pleasure!) to express your enjoyment of the interaction.
Can I use “À plus” in a formal email?
No, “À plus” is very informal and should not be used in formal emails. Use “Cordialement, Au revoir” or a similar formal closing instead.
What are some other ways to say goodbye in French besides the phrases listed in this article?
Other ways to say goodbye include “Bonne journée” (Have a good day), “Bonne soirée” (Have a good evening), and “Bon week-end” (Have a good weekend). These can be combined with “Au revoir” for a more complete farewell.
How do I say “See you later this week” in French?
You can say “À plus tard cette semaine” or “À bientôt cette semaine.”
Is it okay to mix French and English when saying goodbye?
It’s generally best to avoid mixing French and English in formal settings. In informal settings with friends who understand both languages, it might be acceptable, but it’s better to stick to one language for clarity and respect.
How do I say “Until we meet again” in French?
You can say “Jusqu’à ce que nous nous revoyions” or “En attendant de nous revoir.”
Conclusion
Mastering the art of saying “until next time” in French involves understanding the nuances of formality, regional variations, and contextual appropriateness. By familiarizing yourself with the various expressions and practicing their usage in different scenarios, you can communicate more effectively and build stronger relationships with French speakers.
Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, the knowledge and practice provided in this article will equip you with the necessary tools to confidently bid farewell in French, leaving a positive and lasting impression.
Remember, language learning is an ongoing process. Continue to explore, practice, and immerse yourself in the French language and culture to further enhance your communication skills. À la prochaine!