Until next time
Future meeting
Literally: Up to the following occasion
Use it to end a conversation warmly when you expect to interact with the person again soon.
In 15 Seconds
- A friendly way to say goodbye to people you'll see again.
- Works in both professional and casual social settings.
- Focuses on the future meeting rather than the current departure.
Meaning
This is a friendly way to say goodbye when you expect to see someone again. It focuses on the future rather than the end of the conversation.
Key Examples
3 of 6Leaving a coffee shop you visit daily
Great coffee as always, until next time!
Great coffee as always, until next time!
Ending a weekly project meeting
Thanks for the updates, everyone. Until next time.
Thanks for the updates, everyone. Until next time.
Texting a friend after a hangout
Had a blast today! Until next time, buddy.
Had a blast today! Until next time, buddy.
Cultural Background
The phrase became a staple of 20th-century broadcasting, used by icons like Jack Benny and later by various TV hosts to create a 'parasocial' bond with the audience. It shifts the focus from the 'ending' to the 'continuation,' reflecting a Western cultural preference for optimism and ongoing social networking.
The 'Till' Shortcut
In casual conversation, feel free to say `Till next time`. It sounds a bit more relaxed and flows faster.
Don't be too mysterious
If you say this to someone you just met on a plane and will never see again, they might think you're a secret agent or a stalker!
In 15 Seconds
- A friendly way to say goodbye to people you'll see again.
- Works in both professional and casual social settings.
- Focuses on the future meeting rather than the current departure.
What It Means
Until next time is a warm, open-ended goodbye. It implies that your relationship will continue. It is less final than a simple Goodbye. Think of it as a bridge between today and your next meeting. It shows you enjoyed the interaction. It suggests you are already looking forward to the next one.
How To Use It
You usually say this at the very end of a conversation. It works well as a closing sentence. You can use it when walking away or hanging up a phone. It is very common in media like podcasts or TV shows. It makes the audience feel like they are part of a recurring journey. Just drop it in right before you leave.
When To Use It
Use it when you have a regular connection with someone. It is perfect for your favorite barista or a weekly yoga teacher. Use it at the end of a business meeting to stay positive. It is great for ending a video call with a friend. It works well in emails when you don't have a set date to meet. It adds a touch of class to a casual exit.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if you are never going to see the person again. That would be a bit confusing or even awkward! Avoid it in very high-stakes, emotional breakups. It might sound too casual or dismissive there. Also, don't use it if you just had a massive argument. It implies a friendliness that might not be there. If you are at a funeral, stick to something more traditional.
Cultural Background
This phrase grew in popularity with the rise of radio and television hosts. Famous presenters used it as a 'catchphrase' to keep listeners coming back. It creates a sense of community and continuity. In Western culture, we prefer 'soft' exits over 'hard' ones. We like to pretend the conversation is just on pause. It reflects an optimistic outlook on social connections.
Common Variations
You might hear people say Until then or See you next time. Some people shorten it to just Next time! with a wave. In Britain, you might hear Until we meet again, though that is very dramatic. Till next time is a slightly more casual, shortened version. All of these carry the same 'to be continued' energy.
Usage Notes
The phrase is highly versatile but carries a slightly more 'complete' feeling than a simple 'bye'. It is perfect for building rapport in recurring social or business circles.
The 'Till' Shortcut
In casual conversation, feel free to say `Till next time`. It sounds a bit more relaxed and flows faster.
Don't be too mysterious
If you say this to someone you just met on a plane and will never see again, they might think you're a secret agent or a stalker!
The TV Connection
Many Americans associate this phrase with the 'Golden Age' of TV. Using it can make you sound like a confident, friendly host.
Examples
6Great coffee as always, until next time!
Great coffee as always, until next time!
Shows you are a regular and will return.
Thanks for the updates, everyone. Until next time.
Thanks for the updates, everyone. Until next time.
Professional yet warm conclusion.
Had a blast today! Until next time, buddy.
Had a blast today! Until next time, buddy.
Reinforces the friendship bond.
Thanks for listening, and until next time, stay curious.
Thanks for listening, and until next time, stay curious.
Classic 'sign-off' style usage.
You got lucky this round! Until next time, my friend.
You got lucky this round! Until next time, my friend.
Adds a bit of competitive fun.
I'll miss you every day. Until next time.
I'll miss you every day. Until next time.
Focuses on the hope of seeing them again.
Test Yourself
Choose the best phrase to end a friendly work call.
It was great catching up on the project. ___!
This phrase is perfect for recurring professional relationships.
Which variation is most common in casual speech?
I'm heading out now. ___!
'Till' is a common casual contraction of 'until'.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Scale of 'Until next time'
Used with friends or baristas
Till next time!
Standard use for most situations
Until next time.
Used in professional broadcasting or meetings
Thank you for joining us; until next time.
Where to use 'Until next time'
Podcast Sign-off
Closing a show
Local Shop
Leaving a cafe
Work Zoom
Ending a call
Gym/Class
Leaving a coach
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is generally neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend without it feeling out of place.
Yes, it is a great way to sign off an email to a client you work with regularly. Try: Best, [Name]. Until next time.
See you later is more common and casual. Until next time feels a bit more intentional and polished.
Absolutely. Till is the informal version of until and is used very frequently in spoken English.
It's best used when there is a high probability of meeting again, like at a weekly event or a local shop.
Only if you expect to see them again, like a cashier at a store you visit often. Otherwise, it sounds a bit strange.
It is used in all major English-speaking countries. It's a universal expression.
Not at all, though it has a classic feel. It is still very common in modern media and professional settings.
Yes! It's a very positive sign. It tells the other person you definitely want a second date.
Don't worry! It's just a polite expression. No one will hold you to a legal contract to meet again.
Related Phrases
See you around
A casual way to say goodbye to someone you see occasionally.
Catch you later
Very informal way to say you'll talk to them again soon.
Until we meet again
A very formal or dramatic way to say goodbye.
Talk soon
Common in texts and emails when you plan to communicate shortly.
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