see you later

Meaning

A very common, informal way to say goodbye to someone when you expect to see them again soon, or just as a general farewell. Even if you do not have plans to see the person later that same day, it is widely used as a friendly parting phrase.

Examples

• I have to run to my next class now, see you later!

  I have to run to my next class now, see you later!

• Thanks for the coffee, see you later!

  Thanks for the coffee, see you later!

• See you later! Don't forget to call me tonight.

  See you later! Don't forget to call me tonight.

• I'm heading out to the grocery store, so see you later.

  I'm heading out to the grocery store, so see you later.

• Alright guys, I'm going home. See you later!

  Alright guys, I'm going home. See you later!

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I will see you after.

  ✓ See you later.

  English speakers do not use 'after' alone as a farewell. Use 'later' or 'afterwards' (though 'later' is the standard idiom).

• ✗ See you late.

  ✓ See you later.

  'Late' means near the end of a period. 'Later' is the comparative adverb meaning at a future time, which is required here.

Related Expressions

Practice

• My bus is arriving now. ___, have a great evening!

  💡 A casual way to say goodbye.

  Show answer

  See you later

• I'm leaving the office now, so I will ___.

  💡 Saying farewell to a coworker you might see tomorrow.

  Show answer

  see you later