How to Say See You Later in Spanish: Rapid Recall for Adult Learners
For time-specific goodbyes: "hasta + day/time" (hasta mañana, hasta el lunes, hasta pronto).
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TL;DR
- "Hasta luego" is the go-to way to say "see you later" in Spanish - works pretty much anywhere, formal or casual.
- "Nos vemos" means "see you" and fits most situations; "te veo" is more personal and informal.
- Regional slang: "ahí nos vidrios" (Mexico), "chao" (all over), "cuídate" (take care) for a softer goodbye.
- Use "hasta luego" for acquaintances, "nos vemos pronto" or "al rato" for friends.
- For time-specific goodbyes: "hasta + day/time" (hasta mañana, hasta el lunes, hasta pronto).
Essential Spanish Expressions for See You Later
Main phrases:
- hasta luego – works everywhere, anytime.
- nos vemos – casual, easy.
- hasta pronto – if you'll see them soon.
- hasta mañana – for "see you tomorrow."
Hasta Luego: The Universal Standard
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Literal meaning | Until later |
| Formality | Both formal and informal |
| Common uses | Work, shops, friends, strangers - basically all |
- Most recognized across Spanish-speaking countries.
- Safe default if you’re not sure what to say.
- Implies you’ll see each other again, but who knows when.
Example exchanges:
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| Me tengo que ir. Hasta luego. | I have to go. See you later. |
| Hasta luego, que tengas buen día. | See you later, have a good day. |
Rule → Example:
Use hasta luego for any uncertain future meeting.
Example: "Hasta luego, nos vemos."
Nos Vemos and Its Variants
| Variant | Use Case | Tone |
|---|---|---|
| Nos vemos | Most casual situations | Friendly |
| Nos vemos luego | Slightly more specific | Still casual |
| Nos vemos pronto | Expect to see soon | Friendly |
| Te veo | Personal, close friends | Intimate |
| Te veo luego | Next meeting soon | Intimate |
- Heard a lot among young people, classmates, coworkers.
- "Nos vemo" (Argentina/Uruguay), "nos vemos" (Mexico/Spain).
Rule → Example:
Use nos vemos for casual goodbyes with people you see often.
Example: "Nos vemos, cuídate."
Hasta Pronto and Hasta la Próxima
| Expression | Implied Time Frame | Relationship |
|---|---|---|
| Hasta pronto | Days to weeks | Friends/familiar |
| Hasta luego | Indefinite | Any |
| Hasta la próxima | Next scheduled | Regular contact |
- Hasta pronto feels warmer, more personal.
- Hasta la próxima means "until next time," optimistic, for regulars.
Rule → Example:
Use hasta pronto if you know you’ll see the person soon.
Example: "Hasta pronto, nos hablamos."
Hasta Mañana and Other Time-Specific Goodbyes
| Spanish phrase | English translation | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| Hasta mañana | See you tomorrow | Next day |
| Nos vemos mañana | We'll see each other | Next day, casual |
| Hasta el lunes | See you Monday | Specific weekday |
| Hasta la tarde | See you this afternoon | Same day, later |
| Hasta la noche | See you tonight | Same day, evening |
- Use "hasta el + day" for any weekday.
- "Hasta el fin de semana" for weekend plans.
Rule → Example:
Use a time-specific phrase when you know exactly when you'll meet again.
Example: "Hasta el viernes."
Advanced Farewells, Contexts, and Regional Variations
Chao, Chau, and Informal Alternatives
| Phrase | Where/Who | Formality | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chao | Latin America | Very informal | Friends, family, quick exits |
| Chau | Argentina, Uruguay | Very informal | Most common there |
| Bye | Urban/young | Very informal | English borrowed |
| Luego | Spain, Mexico | Informal | Short for "hasta luego" |
| Al rato | Mexico | Informal | "See you in a bit" |
| Ahí nos vemos | Mexico | Informal | "See you there" |
- Under 30? You’ll hear "bye" mixed in, especially in cities.
Rule → Example:
Use chao or chau for quick, informal goodbyes.
Example: "Chao, nos vemos mañana."
Adiós and Other Formal Goodbyes
| Phrase | Use Case | Formality |
|---|---|---|
| Adiós | Longer separation, polite | Formal/neutral |
| Hasta la vista | Professional, dated in speech | Formal |
| Que tenga un buen día | With strangers, customers | Formal |
| Hasta ahora | Temporary end, some regions | Neutral |
- "Adiós" is more final than "hasta luego."
- "Que tenga un buen día" uses formal "tenga" - think customer service.
- "Hasta la vista" is rare in casual talk, okay in emails.
Rule → Example:
Use adiós for more final or polite goodbyes.
Example: "Adiós, que tenga un buen día."
Cuídate, Que Te Vaya Bien, and Affectionate Closings
| Phrase | Translation | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Cuídate | Take care | Friends, family, coworkers |
| Cuídense | Take care (plural) | Groups |
| Que te vaya bien | Hope things go well | Informal, warm |
| Que le vaya bien | Hope things go well (formal) | Formal, warm |
| Hablamos | We'll talk | Friends, future contact |
| Hablamos luego | We'll talk later | Slightly more specific |
| Te llamo | I'll call you | Direct commitment |
- "Cuídate" - for someone you care about.
- "Que te vaya bien" - shows you mean it.
- "Hablamos" - expect more conversation soon.
Rule → Example:
Use cuídate for close, caring goodbyes.
Example: "Nos vemos, cuídate."
Slang, Regional, and Digital Goodbyes
| Phrase | Region/Context | Meaning/Use |
|---|---|---|
| Venga | Spain | "Alright then," ending |
| Pura vida | Costa Rica | Hello/goodbye, all-purpose |
| Nos vidrios | Argentina slang | Joke, super casual |
| Hblms, Ns vms | Text/digital | Short for "hablamos," "nos vemos" |
| Chao, luego | Text/digital | Most common in messages |
- "Venga" wraps up plans or calls in Spain.
- "Pura vida" is Costa Rican, both hello and goodbye.
- In texts: short forms, emojis, and "chao" rule.
- Emails: stick to "saludos cordiales," "atentamente."
Rule → Example:
Use shortened forms or "chao" in digital chats.
Example: "Ns vms!"
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Quick Answer |
|---|---|
| Is "hasta luego" formal or informal? | Both - safe everywhere. |
| Can I use "chao" in Spain? | Yes, but less common than in Latin America. |
| Is "adiós" too final? | Sometimes - use with care if you’ll see them soon |
| Do goodbyes change with age? | Younger people use "bye," "chao," more often. |
| Is gender a factor? | No - phrases are gender-neutral. |
What is the informal way to say goodbye in Spanish?
Spanish speakers toss around a bunch of informal farewell phrases with friends and family - some are so common, you’ll hear them everywhere.
Most Common Informal Goodbyes:
- Hasta luego – See you later (super versatile)
- Nos vemos – We’ll see each other
- Chao – Bye (extra casual)
- Cuídate – Take care
- Hasta pronto – See you soon
Quick Informal Options:
| Spanish | English | Usage Context |
|---|---|---|
| Luego | Later | Short, among friends |
| Ahí nos vemos | See you there | Heard a lot in Mexico |
| Ya nos vemos | We’ll see each other | Sounds certain, familiar |
- Informal goodbyes work best with people you know well.
- Often paired with a wave, a hug, or just a quick smile.
What are the variations of 'see you later' in Spanish for different genders?
Most Spanish goodbyes don’t change for gender.
Gender-Neutral Phrases:
- Hasta luego
- Nos vemos
- Hasta pronto
- Chao
Gender-Specific Variations:
| To a Male | To a Female | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Cuídate | Cuídate | Take care (no change) |
| Que te vaya bien | Que te vaya bien | Hope it goes well (no change) |
| Que estés bien | Que estés bien | Hope you’re well (no change) |
Rule → Example:
Farewell phrases in Spanish rarely change for gender.
Example: “Hasta luego” works for everyone.