In 15 Seconds
- A versatile 'see you later' for almost any social situation.
- Implies a future meeting without setting a specific date or time.
- Warmer than a simple goodbye but fits professional settings too.
Meaning
It is a friendly way to say goodbye when you expect to see the person again. It basically means 'until next time' or 'see you later.'
Key Examples
3 of 6Leaving a coffee shop
Obrigado pelo café, até à próxima!
Thanks for the coffee, see you next time!
Ending a business call
Foi um prazer falar consigo, até à próxima.
It was a pleasure speaking with you, until next time.
Texting a friend after hanging out
Adorei o jantar! Até à próxima!
I loved the dinner! See you next time!
Cultural Background
In Portugal, goodbyes are often extended. You might say 'Até à próxima' and then continue talking for another five minutes before actually leaving. Brazilians often drop the 'à' in speech, saying 'Até a próxima'. It's also common to add 'Viu?' at the end to make it sound more affectionate. In Luanda, you might hear 'Estamos juntos' (We are together) alongside 'Até à próxima' to emphasize solidarity. While Portuguese is the official language, the Crioulo equivalent 'Ti prósimu' is used in similar social ways.
The 'Vez' Trick
If you forget if it's 'próxima' or 'próximo', just remember the word 'vez' (time) is invisible at the end. Since 'vez' is feminine, 'próxima' must be too!
Avoid 'Adeus'
Many textbooks teach 'Adeus' first, but it's often too heavy. 'Até à próxima' makes you sound much more like a local.
In 15 Seconds
- A versatile 'see you later' for almost any social situation.
- Implies a future meeting without setting a specific date or time.
- Warmer than a simple goodbye but fits professional settings too.
What It Means
Até à próxima is your go-to phrase for saying goodbye. It translates to "until the next time." It implies that your paths will cross again soon. It is warm, polite, and very common. You are not just leaving; you are acknowledging a future meeting. It feels much more personal than a final "goodbye."
How To Use It
Use it whenever you finish a conversation. You can say it as you walk away. You can write it at the end of an email. It works perfectly in person or over the phone. Just pair it with a smile or a wave. If you are in Portugal, remember the à sound is open. It sounds like a crisp "ah" sound.
When To Use It
Use it at your local bakery after buying bread. Use it when hanging up with a friend. It is great for the end of a work meeting. Use it when leaving a doctor's appointment. It fits perfectly when you don't have a specific date for the next meeting. It is the 'safety net' of Portuguese goodbyes. You can never really go wrong with it.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it if you are never seeing them again. If you are breaking up, this might send mixed signals! Avoid it in extremely stiff, high-protocol ceremonies. Do not use it if you have already set a specific time. If you meet tomorrow, say até amanhã instead. Using it for a 9:00 AM meeting might feel a bit vague.
Cultural Background
Portuguese culture is deeply social and polite. Saying a simple tchau can sometimes feel too abrupt. Até à próxima bridges the gap between formal and casual. It reflects the "see you when I see you" lifestyle. It is a staple of the 'vizinhança' (neighborhood) culture. It keeps the door open for future social interactions. It is the linguistic equivalent of a friendly nod.
Common Variations
In Brazil, people often just say até a próxima without the accent. You might hear até breve for a more formal "see you soon." Friends might shorten it to just até!. If you know when you'll meet, use até logo (see you later today). For a very casual vibe, try a gente se vê. Each one changes the 'flavor' of your exit.
Usage Notes
Perfectly safe for A2 learners. It bridges the gap between being too casual and too stiff. In Portugal, ensure you use the 'à' contraction to sound like a local.
The 'Vez' Trick
If you forget if it's 'próxima' or 'próximo', just remember the word 'vez' (time) is invisible at the end. Since 'vez' is feminine, 'próxima' must be too!
Avoid 'Adeus'
Many textbooks teach 'Adeus' first, but it's often too heavy. 'Até à próxima' makes you sound much more like a local.
Examples
6Obrigado pelo café, até à próxima!
Thanks for the coffee, see you next time!
Standard polite exit for a regular spot.
Foi um prazer falar consigo, até à próxima.
It was a pleasure speaking with you, until next time.
Maintains professionalism while staying approachable.
Adorei o jantar! Até à próxima!
I loved the dinner! See you next time!
Common way to wrap up a digital conversation.
Bem, isto foi divertido... até à próxima?
Well, this was fun... see you next time?
The question mark adds a hint of hopeful uncertainty.
Bom fim de semana, até à próxima!
Have a good weekend, see you next time!
Perfect for people you see regularly but not daily.
Vou sentir saudades, até à próxima!
I'll miss you, until next time!
Adds a touch of warmth to a sadder parting.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct form of the phrase for European Portuguese.
Obrigado pela ajuda! ________.
In EP, we use the crase (à) and the feminine 'próxima' to refer to 'vez'.
Fill in the missing word.
Até ___ próxima!
The contraction 'à' is needed here.
Match the situation to the best farewell.
You are leaving your weekly Portuguese class.
Since it's a weekly class, you expect to see the teacher next time.
Complete the dialogue.
Ana: 'Gostei muito da conversa.' Pedro: 'Eu também. ________!'
'Até à próxima' is the natural way to end a pleasant conversation.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
The 'Até' Family
Time-based
- • Até logo
- • Até amanhã
- • Até já
General
- • Até à próxima
- • Até breve
- • Até mais
Practice Bank
4 exercisesObrigado pela ajuda! ________.
In EP, we use the crase (à) and the feminine 'próxima' to refer to 'vez'.
Até ___ próxima!
The contraction 'à' is needed here.
You are leaving your weekly Portuguese class.
Since it's a weekly class, you expect to see the teacher next time.
Ana: 'Gostei muito da conversa.' Pedro: 'Eu também. ________!'
'Até à próxima' is the natural way to end a pleasant conversation.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss, your teacher, or your friends.
It's a contraction of the preposition 'a' and the article 'a'. It's called a 'crase'.
In Brazil, yes, that is how it is usually written and said. In Portugal, the accent is preferred.
That's fine! 'Até à próxima' doesn't require a specific date. It just means 'whenever the next time is'.
Related Phrases
Até logo
similarSee you later (today)
Até amanhã
specialized formUntil tomorrow
Até breve
similarSee you soon
Adeus
contrastGoodbye
