Talk to you later
Phone goodbye
Use it to end casual conversations warmly when you plan to stay in touch.
In 15 Seconds
- A casual way to end a conversation with someone you know.
- Commonly used on the phone, via text, or in person.
- Implies you will speak again, but doesn't set a time.
Meaning
This is a friendly way to say goodbye when you expect to communicate again soon. It doesn't mean you will talk today, just that the conversation will continue later.
Key Examples
3 of 6Ending a call with a friend
I have to go pick up the kids now, talk to you later!
I have to go pick up the kids now, talk to you later!
Texting a sibling
Getting on the plane now. TTYL!
Getting on the plane now. Talk to you later!
Leaving a casual work meeting
Great ideas, everyone. Talk to you later this week.
Great ideas, everyone. Talk to you later this week.
Cultural Background
This phrase reflects the Western cultural preference for 'open-ended' closures rather than definitive endings. It gained massive popularity during the 1990s pager and early SMS era, leading to the ubiquitous acronym 'TTYL'. It highlights a social contract where the relationship is ongoing and fluid.
The 'Later' shortcut
If you are in a real hurry, you can just say `Later!` with a small wave. It’s the ultimate cool-guy goodbye.
Don't take it too literally
If someone says this, they might not actually call you back today. It's often just a polite way to end the moment.
In 15 Seconds
- A casual way to end a conversation with someone you know.
- Commonly used on the phone, via text, or in person.
- Implies you will speak again, but doesn't set a time.
What It Means
Talk to you later is a classic English goodbye. It suggests that your current conversation is ending. However, the connection between you remains open. It is warm and implies a future interaction. You aren't saying goodbye forever. You are just saying 'see you next time.'
How To Use It
You usually say this at the very end of a chat. It works perfectly for phone calls or video chats. You can also use it when walking away from a friend. In text messages, people often shorten it to TTYL. It is a very flexible phrase. Just drop it in right before you hang up.
When To Use It
Use it with friends, family, or coworkers you like. It is perfect for ending a quick phone check-in. Use it when you are in a rush to leave. It works well at the end of a casual lunch. It feels natural when you're texting someone throughout the day. It’s the 'safety net' of English goodbyes.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this in very formal or sad situations. Don't say it to a judge in court. Don't use it at a formal funeral service. It might feel too casual for a first job interview. If you are breaking up with someone, it's confusing. They might think you actually want to talk later! Keep it for people you genuinely like.
Cultural Background
Americans and Brits love to stay 'connected' without commitment. This phrase became huge with the rise of telephones. It reflects a fast-paced, social culture. We don't like final goodbyes because they feel too heavy. Talk to you later keeps things light and breezy. It’s the verbal equivalent of a friendly wave.
Common Variations
You will hear many versions of this. Friends might say Catch you later or Later!. In texts, TTYL is the standard abbreviation. Some people say Speak soon if they are more formal. If you're feeling very casual, try See ya. All of these carry the same 'not-a-final-goodbye' energy.
Usage Notes
This phrase sits comfortably in the 'informal' to 'neutral' range. It is the default exit for 90% of casual English phone conversations.
The 'Later' shortcut
If you are in a real hurry, you can just say `Later!` with a small wave. It’s the ultimate cool-guy goodbye.
Don't take it too literally
If someone says this, they might not actually call you back today. It's often just a polite way to end the moment.
The TTYL legacy
In the early 2000s, `TTYL` was the most used acronym on AOL Instant Messenger. It's a piece of internet history!
Examples
6I have to go pick up the kids now, talk to you later!
I have to go pick up the kids now, talk to you later!
A standard way to end a daily phone call.
Getting on the plane now. TTYL!
Getting on the plane now. Talk to you later!
Using the common acronym for speed in texting.
Great ideas, everyone. Talk to you later this week.
Great ideas, everyone. Talk to you later this week.
Adding a time frame makes it slightly more professional.
I'm lagging too much, I'm out. Talk to you later.
I'm lagging too much, I'm out. Talk to you later.
Commonly used in digital hangouts.
My pizza is burning! Talk to you later!
My pizza is burning! Talk to you later!
Used to end a conversation abruptly but politely.
Get some rest and don't worry about work. Talk to you later.
Get some rest and don't worry about work. Talk to you later.
Provides comfort by showing you will check back in.
Test Yourself
Choose the best phrase to end a friendly phone call.
It was great catching up! I've got to go to dinner now, ___.
Talk to you later is the most natural and friendly way to end a casual chat.
Identify the common text message abbreviation for this phrase.
I'm entering a tunnel and losing signal. ___!
TTYL stands for 'Talk To You Later' and is perfect for quick text exits.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Scale of Goodbyes
Very casual friends
Later!
Friends and family
Talk to you later
Colleagues
Speak soon
Official business
I look forward to our next correspondence
Where to use 'Talk to you later'
Phone Call
Hanging up with Mom
Texting
Sending a TTYL to a friend
Office
Leaving a teammate's desk
Coffee Shop
Walking away from a neighbor
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot necessarily. It usually just means 'at some point in the future,' whether that is in two hours or two weeks.
Yes, if you have a friendly relationship. If your boss is very strict, try Speak to you soon instead.
It is better for quick, casual emails. For formal business emails, use Best regards or Sincerely.
Use Talk to you later for phones or when the next contact will be voice/text. Use See you later if you expect to meet in person.
Yes, though it is slightly 'old school' now. Many younger people just use Later or Bye.
You can simply say Sounds good!, Bye!, or Take care!.
Technically yes, as a polite 'white lie' to end a conversation, but it's better to use a general Goodbye if you're being honest.
Yes, it is very common in the UK, though they might also say Catch you later or Speak soon.
If you say it while running away, it might seem like you are avoiding them. Pair it with a smile to keep it friendly.
It's a bit casual. If you really liked them, say I'd love to talk to you again soon to be more clear.
Related Phrases
Catch you later
A very casual, slightly 'cool' version of the same goodbye.
Speak soon
A slightly more polite or professional way to say you'll talk again.
See ya
A short, phonetic version of 'See you later' used in person.
Keep in touch
Used when you won't talk for a long time but want to remain friends.
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