B1 Expression Neutre 3 min de lecture

I'll be seeing you

Future meeting

Use it to end conversations warmly when you expect to cross paths with the person again soon.

En 15 secondes

  • A warm way to say goodbye to someone you'll meet again.
  • Implies a continuing relationship or a future encounter.
  • Softer and more personal than a standard 'Goodbye'.

Signification

This is a warm way to say goodbye when you expect to meet the person again soon. It feels more personal than just saying 'bye' because it promises a future connection.

Exemples clés

3 sur 6
1

Leaving a coffee date with a friend

That was fun! I'll be seeing you.

I'll be seeing you.

🤝
2

Ending a weekly sync with a colleague

Great progress today. I'll be seeing you on Monday.

I'll be seeing you on Monday.

💼
3

Texting a crush after a first date

I had a great time tonight. I'll be seeing you!

I'll be seeing you!

😊
🌍

Contexte culturel

The phrase gained massive popularity through the 1938 song 'I'll Be Seeing You,' which became an anthem for soldiers and families separated during WWII. It carries a sense of hope and enduring connection. In some British cult TV shows like 'The Prisoner,' it was even used as a coded greeting, adding a layer of mystery to the words.

💡

The 'Vibe' Check

This phrase is slightly more 'romantic' or 'poetic' than just saying 'See you later.' Use it when you want to sound extra kind.

⚠️

Don't be too literal

If you say it with a very serious face and stare intensely, it can sound like a threat (like 'I'm watching you'). Keep it light!

En 15 secondes

  • A warm way to say goodbye to someone you'll meet again.
  • Implies a continuing relationship or a future encounter.
  • Softer and more personal than a standard 'Goodbye'.

What It Means

I'll be seeing you is a friendly way to end a conversation. It tells the other person that this isn't a final goodbye. You are basically saying, 'We will meet again soon.' It feels softer and more melodic than a standard Goodbye. It suggests a continuous relationship. You aren't just leaving; you are looking forward to the next time.

How To Use It

Use it at the very end of an interaction. You can say it as you walk away or hang up the phone. It works best when you have a general plan to see them again. You don't need a specific date or time. Just say it with a smile and a small wave. It sounds natural and effortless. Don't overthink the grammar; treat it as one single unit of meaning.

When To Use It

Use it with friends after grabbing a coffee. It is perfect for coworkers you see every day. Use it with a neighbor as you walk past their house. It works great at the end of a casual date. It is a lovely way to end a phone call with family. If you see someone regularly, this is your go-to phrase. It keeps the vibe positive and lighthearted.

When NOT To Use It

Avoid using this in very strict, high-stakes professional settings. Don't say it to a judge or a police officer. It might sound too casual or even slightly cheeky. Also, don't use it if you never plan to see them again. That would be quite confusing! If the situation is very sad or final, stick to a simple Goodbye. Using it during a breakup might feel a bit sarcastic or cold.

Cultural Background

This phrase became iconic during the 1940s. A famous song with this title was a hit during World War II. It was a promise made by soldiers to their loved ones. Because of this, it carries a tiny hint of nostalgia. It feels classic and timeless. It’s a piece of 'Old Hollywood' charm that still works today. It suggests a world where people value long-term connections.

Common Variations

  • See you around (Very casual and common)
  • I'll see you when I see you (A bit more mysterious or relaxed)
  • See ya! (Short, high energy, and very informal)
  • Be seeing you (Shortened version, sounds a bit more British or old-school)
  • Looking forward to seeing you (More formal and professional)

Notes d'usage

This phrase sits comfortably in the 'neutral' to 'informal' range. It is warmer than a standard 'bye' but avoids the slanginess of 'catch ya later.' Use it to add a touch of sincerity to your departures.

💡

The 'Vibe' Check

This phrase is slightly more 'romantic' or 'poetic' than just saying 'See you later.' Use it when you want to sound extra kind.

⚠️

Don't be too literal

If you say it with a very serious face and stare intensely, it can sound like a threat (like 'I'm watching you'). Keep it light!

💬

The Song Secret

If you want to impress English speakers, mention the 1940s song. It’s a classic 'Standard' that many older people know and love.

Exemples

6
#1 Leaving a coffee date with a friend
🤝

That was fun! I'll be seeing you.

I'll be seeing you.

A classic, warm way to end a social hangout.

#2 Ending a weekly sync with a colleague
💼

Great progress today. I'll be seeing you on Monday.

I'll be seeing you on Monday.

Professional but maintains a friendly rapport.

#3 Texting a crush after a first date
😊

I had a great time tonight. I'll be seeing you!

I'll be seeing you!

Suggests interest in a second date without being too pushy.

#4 Leaving a party early
😊

I've got to run, but I'll be seeing you all later!

I'll be seeing you all later!

Addresses a group of people collectively.

#5 A grandfather saying goodbye to his grandson
💭

Be good, kid. I'll be seeing you.

I'll be seeing you.

Carries a sense of affection and family bond.

#6 Joking with a friend who always forgets their umbrella
😄

You left your umbrella again? I'll be seeing you in five minutes when you come back for it!

I'll be seeing you in five minutes!

Uses the phrase to predict a funny, immediate return.

Teste-toi

Choose the best phrase to end a friendly lunch with a neighbor.

Thanks for the sandwich, Dave! ___.

✓ Correct ! ✗ Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : I'll be seeing you

This phrase is the most natural way to signal that you expect to see your neighbor again soon.

Complete the sentence to make it sound like a classic, warm goodbye.

It was lovely to catch up. I'll ___ you.

✓ Correct ! ✗ Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : be seeing

The continuous form 'be seeing' creates the specific idiomatic expression used for goodbyes.

🎉 Score : /2

Aides visuelles

Formality Scale of 'I'll be seeing you'

Very Informal

See ya!

To a best friend.

Neutral

I'll be seeing you.

To a neighbor or coworker.

Formal

I look forward to our next meeting.

In a business email.

Where to use 'I'll be seeing you'

I'll be seeing you

Local Cafe

To the barista you see every morning.

🏢

Office Hallway

To a teammate after a quick chat.

🏠

Family Dinner

To your cousin before driving home.

📱

Phone Call

Ending a chat with a good friend.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

They are very similar, but I'll be seeing you feels a bit more intentional and warm. See you later is the standard, everyday version used by everyone.

It is better for spoken English or casual texts. In a formal business email, use I look forward to seeing you instead.

A little bit, but in a charming way. It doesn't sound 'expired,' just classic and polite.

You can, but I'll be seeing you sounds more natural as a goodbye. The continuous 'be seeing' makes it feel like a process rather than a single event.

Only if you actually expect to see them again, like a regular shopkeeper. Otherwise, it might sound a bit strange.

People often just say Be seeing you. It’s a bit more casual and very common in British English.

Yes, it is a very popular line in romantic movies or films set in the 1940s and 50s. It often signals a heartfelt goodbye.

Context is everything! If someone is angry and says I'll be seeing you, it might mean they are coming back for a fight. But 99% of the time, it's friendly.

The future continuous tense (will be seeing) suggests a planned or expected future event that is part of a routine. It feels more certain.

If you have a friendly relationship with your boss, it's perfectly fine. If your boss is very strict, stick to Have a good evening.

Expressions liées

See you around

A casual goodbye when you don't have a specific plan to meet.

Until next time

A slightly more formal way to say goodbye until the next meeting.

Catch you later

Very informal/slang way to say goodbye.

Take care

A warm goodbye that shows concern for the person's well-being.

C'tait utile ?
Pas encore de commentaires. Soyez le premier à partager vos idées !

Commencez à apprendre les langues gratuitement

Commence Gratuitement