Até mais ver!

You use it exactly like "see you later." Place it at the very end of your interaction. It usually follows a thank you or a final nod. You can say it while walking out a door. You can write it at the end of an email. It is very flexible and rhythmic. It sounds a bit more melodic than the short até mais.

Use it when you actually plan to see the person again. It works great with shopkeepers you visit often. Use it with colleagues at the end of the day. It is perfect for ending a coffee date with a friend. Use it when you want to sound a bit more polished. It shows you have a good handle on the language's flow. It feels very natural in both Lisbon and Rio.

Avoid it during a final breakup or a permanent goodbye. If you are never seeing them again, it sounds confusing. Do not use it in extremely stiff, robotic business environments. In those cases, passar bem or atenciosamente works better. Do not use it if you are in a huge rush. A quick tchau is better when you are running for a bus. It is too poetic for a panicked exit.

This phrase has a slightly old-school, nostalgic feel to it. It stems from a time when social interactions were more rhythmic. It reflects the Portuguese preference for avoiding harsh endings. In Portuguese culture, saying goodbye is often a long process. We like to leave the door open for the next time. It is a linguistic hug that promises a return. It is common in literature and classic fado songs too.

You will often hear the shortened até mais. Some people say até à próxima for "until the next one." In very casual settings, you might hear até já. That one implies you will be back in minutes. Até mais ver sits right in the middle of these. It is the sophisticated cousin of the group. It is timeless and never goes out of style.