到时候见。

Use it at the very end of a conversation. It usually follows a specific time or location. If you say "Lunch at 12:00," follow it with 到时候见. It works in person, over the phone, or via text. In WeChat, it is often paired with a waving emoji. It is short, punchy, and very natural. You don't need to add much else after it.

Use it whenever a future meeting is confirmed. Use it with your boss after scheduling a meeting. Use it with a date after picking a movie. It is great for confirming brunch plans with friends. It works perfectly when hanging up a phone call. It saves you from awkward long goodbyes. Just drop the phrase and walk away confidently.

Don't use it if the time isn't set yet. If you say "Let's meet someday," this phrase feels weird. It implies a specific 'time' has been established. Don't use it for permanent goodbyes. If a friend is moving across the world, use something more emotional. Also, avoid it in very stiff, ancient-style formal ceremonies. It is a modern, practical expression for busy people.

Chinese culture values punctuality and clear social contracts. Saying 到时候见 acts as a verbal handshake. It reinforces the commitment you just made. In the fast-paced life of cities like Shanghai or Beijing, it is efficiency at its best. It shows you respect the other person's schedule. It has become the standard 'sign-off' in the digital age.

If you want to be even shorter, try 到时见. For a more casual vibe with close friends, use 回头见 (see you later). If you want to emphasize the location, you could say 在那儿见 (see you there). But 到时候见 remains the king of versatility. It fits almost every social puzzle perfectly. Use it once, and you'll sound like a local immediately.