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
In American TV and radio, 'Until next time' is often part of a 'signature sign-off.' Famous hosts use it to build a brand and a sense of familiarity with their audience. British speakers might add 'then' to the end ('Until next time, then') to soften the goodbye and make it sound less abrupt. In the world of remote work and Zoom, this phrase is becoming a standard way to end calls because it sounds warmer than 'Goodbye' but is still professional. Australians often use the shortened 'Till next time' or 'Next time!' in very casual settings like a BBQ or the beach.
The 'Broadcaster' Trick
If you want to sound like a professional host, pause slightly after 'Until' and put a little more energy into 'next time!'
Don't Overuse with Strangers
If you say this to a taxi driver in a city you'll never visit again, they might be confused and think you're planning to call them again.
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 'Broadcaster' Trick
If you want to sound like a professional host, pause slightly after 'Until' and put a little more energy into 'next time!'
Don't Overuse with Strangers
If you say this to a taxi driver in a city you'll never visit again, they might be confused and think you're planning to call them again.
Pair it with a Wave
In English-speaking cultures, this phrase is almost always accompanied by a friendly wave or a nod.
Use 'Till' for Texting
When texting friends, 'Till next time!' or even 'Till next time ✌️' is very common and looks more natural than the full 'Until'.
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 situation to use 'Until next time.'
Which of these is the best time to say 'Until next time'?
'Until next time' implies a recurring meeting, making it perfect for a weekly study group.
Fill in the missing word.
Thanks for coming over, Mike! ______ next time!
'Until' is the correct preposition to indicate the time leading up to the next meeting.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural phrase.
Host: 'That's all for today's gardening tips.' Audience: 'Thanks!' Host: '__________________!'
This is the standard sign-off for hosts and presenters.
Match the phrase to the register.
Match 'Until next time' with its most likely register.
It is a standard, polite, but not overly formal phrase.
Match the variation to its description.
Match the following:
All pairs are correctly matched to their typical usage contexts.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
Goodbye vs. Until next time
Practice Bank
5 exercisesWhich of these is the best time to say 'Until next time'?
'Until next time' implies a recurring meeting, making it perfect for a weekly study group.
Thanks for coming over, Mike! ______ next time!
'Until' is the correct preposition to indicate the time leading up to the next meeting.
Host: 'That's all for today's gardening tips.' Audience: 'Thanks!' Host: '__________________!'
This is the standard sign-off for hosts and presenters.
Match 'Until next time' with its most likely register.
It is a standard, polite, but not overly formal phrase.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
All pairs are correctly matched to their typical usage contexts.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend. It's very versatile!
You can, but it sounds a bit heavy and less natural. Native speakers almost always drop 'the.'
'Until next time' is slightly more structured and is great for recurring events. 'See you later' is more casual and general.
Yes! It's a great way to end a friendly business email or a message to an acquaintance.
Both are used, but 'Till' (with two Ls) is actually the older, more standard spelling. 'Til' is also common in informal writing.
It might be a bit too casual. 'I look forward to hearing from you' or 'Thank you for your time' is better for a first interview.
No, that's the beauty of it! It just means 'whenever we meet again.'
Yes, it's used throughout the English-speaking world, including the UK, US, Canada, and Australia.
Yes, many people combine it with 'bye' or 'take care' to make the goodbye feel more complete.
It encourages viewers to come back for the next video, creating a sense of community.
Related Phrases
See you later
similarA very common casual goodbye.
Until then
similarUsed when a specific time has already been mentioned.
Take care
builds onA warm wish for the other person's well-being.
So long
contrastAn old-fashioned way to say goodbye.
Catch you on the flip side
specialized formSlang for 'see you later.'
