回头见！

Drop this phrase at the end of a conversation. You don't need fancy grammar here. Just say it as you are walking away. It works perfectly as a standalone sentence. You can also add it after a specific time. For example, 下午回头见 means "See you later this afternoon."

Use it with people you actually see often. It is perfect for colleagues heading to lunch. Use it with friends after a coffee date. It's great for classmates leaving a lecture. Even with a shopkeeper you visit every day, it feels natural. It creates a nice sense of continuity in your relationships.

Don't use this for final goodbyes. If someone is moving to another country, it feels too casual. Avoid using it in very stiff, formal ceremonies. Don't say it to a high-ranking official you'll never meet again. It might sound a bit presumptuous there. Also, don't use it if you are actually annoyed with someone. It’s too friendly for a dramatic exit!

The phrase comes from the idea of turning your head (回头). It suggests that the next meeting is just around the corner. In Chinese culture, maintaining 'mianzi' (face) involves showing you value the relationship. Saying you'll see someone again soon reinforces that bond. It’s much softer than the standard 再见 (goodbye).

You will often hear 一会儿见 for "see you in a few minutes." Another common one is 回头再说, which means "let's talk about it later." If you want to be very trendy, some younger people just use the English "Bye-bye." But 回头见 remains the classic, reliable choice for daily life.