回头再联系。

You usually drop this at the very end of a chat. It works perfectly in person, over the phone, or in a quick text. You don't need to specify exactly when you'll call. Just say it and walk away or hang up. It’s like a polite 'see ya' with a promise of a future chat. It keeps things smooth and avoids awkward silences at the end of a hangout.

Use it when you are genuinely busy and need to go. It’s great for bumping into an old friend on the street. You can also use it after a business lunch that wasn't too formal. If you're finishing a WeChat conversation, this is a standard sign-off. It shows you value the person but have other things to do. It’s the ultimate social lubricant for busy people.

Don't use this if you have a specific deadline to discuss. If your boss asks for a report by 5 PM, don't say this! It’s too vague for high-stakes professional commitments. Also, avoid it if you actually never want to speak to the person again. While it can be a polite brush-off, it technically promises a follow-up. Using it with a romantic partner during a breakup might send very mixed signals. Keep it for friends and casual colleagues.

In Chinese culture, maintaining 'mianzi' (face) and harmony is key. Directly saying 'I'm done talking' can feel a bit cold or abrupt. 回头再联系 provides a soft exit strategy. It emphasizes the continuity of the relationship over the specific timing of the next task. It’s part of a broader category of 'polite vagueness' that keeps social gears grinding smoothly. It’s less about the 'when' and more about the 'we are still cool.'

You might hear 回头聊 (huítóu liáo) which is even more casual. It literally means 'chat again later.' Another one is 再联系 (zài liánxì), which is a bit more direct. If you want to be more specific, you could say 明天再联系 (tomorrow). But the classic 回头再联系 remains the king of casual goodbyes. It’s the perfect balance of friendly and efficient.