In 15 Seconds
- A casual way to say see you soon without a date.
- Used with friends, family, and friendly colleagues.
- Perfect for ending a chat when you'll meet again eventually.
Meaning
This is a friendly way to say 'see you soon' or 'see you around' when you don't have a specific date set for the next meeting. It implies you'll run into each other again in the near future.
Key Examples
3 of 6Leaving a coffee date with a friend
Foi ótimo te ver, até um dia desses!
It was great seeing you, see you around!
Ending a casual work meeting with a teammate
Bom trabalho, pessoal. Até um dia desses!
Good work, everyone. See you soon!
Texting a group chat after a night out
Valeu pela noite! Até um dia desses, galera.
Thanks for the night! See you guys soon.
Cultural Background
In Brazil, this phrase is part of the 'social lubricant' culture. It's often used to avoid the perceived coldness of a final goodbye, even if the speakers don't have a concrete plan to meet. In Portugal, 'Até um dia destes' is common but can be slightly more literal. If said by a neighbor, it implies a high probability of seeing each other in the street soon. Similar to Brazil, Angolan Portuguese uses 'Até um dia desses' in casual urban settings, often accompanied by a warm handshake or a touch on the shoulder. In Maputo, you might hear this at the end of a 'chapa' (minibus) ride or after a quick market transaction, signifying a friendly relationship with regular service providers.
The 'Aí' Add-on
In Brazil, add 'aí' at the end ('Até um dia desses aí!') to sound 100% like a local. It adds an extra layer of casualness.
Don't use for dates
If you have a date tonight, do NOT say this. It sounds like you are cancelling or being evasive.
In 15 Seconds
- A casual way to say see you soon without a date.
- Used with friends, family, and friendly colleagues.
- Perfect for ending a chat when you'll meet again eventually.
What It Means
Até um dia desses is your go-to phrase for casual goodbyes. It suggests a reunion is coming soon. You aren't making a solid plan. You are just acknowledging that your paths will cross again. It feels warmer than a final goodbye. It’s like saying "see you when I see you."
How To Use It
Use it at the end of a conversation. It replaces tchau or adeus to add a bit of flavor. You can say it while walking away. You can type it at the end of a WhatsApp message. It works best with people you actually see semi-regularly. If you say it to a stranger you'll never see again, it might sound a bit optimistic!
When To Use It
Use it when leaving a coffee shop with a friend. Use it when hanging up with a cousin. It’s perfect for the office when you're heading home. It fits any moment where the vibe is relaxed. It signals that the relationship is ongoing. It’s the ultimate "low-pressure" farewell.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it in a very formal legal setting. Avoid it if you have a specific appointment tomorrow. If you are meeting at 9 AM, use até amanhã. Using um dia desses makes it sound like you forgot the plan. Also, don't use it if you are actually breaking up with someone. That would be very confusing and slightly cruel!
Cultural Background
Brazilians and Portuguese people love being flexible with time. This phrase perfectly captures that social fluidity. It reflects a culture that values spontaneous encounters. It’s less about the clock and more about the connection. It’s a way to keep the door open without checking your calendar. It’s the linguistic equivalent of a casual wave.
Common Variations
You might hear até um dia. This is slightly more vague and can sound more final. Another one is a gente se vê por aí. This means "we'll see each other around." In some regions, people just say até mais. If you want to be even more casual, try valeu, até a próxima. They all share that same "see ya" energy.
Usage Notes
This phrase sits comfortably in the 'informal' category. It is warm and friendly. Avoid it in high-stakes professional settings where specific timelines are expected.
The 'Aí' Add-on
In Brazil, add 'aí' at the end ('Até um dia desses aí!') to sound 100% like a local. It adds an extra layer of casualness.
Don't use for dates
If you have a date tonight, do NOT say this. It sounds like you are cancelling or being evasive.
Intonation Matters
A rising intonation makes it sound warm and hopeful. A flat intonation can make it sound like a polite brush-off.
Examples
6Foi ótimo te ver, até um dia desses!
It was great seeing you, see you around!
A classic way to end a casual hangout.
Bom trabalho, pessoal. Até um dia desses!
Good work, everyone. See you soon!
Keeps the professional atmosphere light and friendly.
Valeu pela noite! Até um dia desses, galera.
Thanks for the night! See you guys soon.
Commonly used in digital messaging.
Você de novo? Bom, até um dia desses então!
You again? Well, see you around then!
Used humorously when you see someone too often.
O café estava ótimo. Até um dia desses!
The coffee was great. See you soon!
Perfect for familiar service workers.
Vou sentir saudades, até um dia desses na sua nova casa!
I'll miss you, see you one of these days at your new house!
Adds a hopeful tone to a sad goodbye.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.
Foi ótimo te ver! Até um dia _______!
The phrase uses the plural 'desses' (or 'destes' in Portugal) to refer to 'one of those days'.
In which situation is 'Até um dia desses' MOST appropriate?
Choose the best scenario:
It is perfect for chance encounters where future plans are not yet set.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: 'Tchau, valeu pela conversa!' B: '_______'
This is a natural, friendly response to a casual farewell.
Which variation is more common in Portugal?
Select the European Portuguese version:
Portugal typically uses 'destes' (closer to the speaker) while Brazil uses 'desses'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to use 'Até um dia desses'
Acquaintances
- • Old classmates
- • Friends of friends
- • Former colleagues
Service People
- • Baristas
- • Hairdressers
- • Shop owners
Community
- • Neighbors
- • Gym buddies
- • Dog park regulars
Practice Bank
4 exercisesFoi ótimo te ver! Até um dia _______!
The phrase uses the plural 'desses' (or 'destes' in Portugal) to refer to 'one of those days'.
Choose the best scenario:
It is perfect for chance encounters where future plans are not yet set.
A: 'Tchau, valeu pela conversa!' B: '_______'
This is a natural, friendly response to a casual farewell.
Select the European Portuguese version:
Portugal typically uses 'destes' (closer to the speaker) while Brazil uses 'desses'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is very polite in casual and semi-formal contexts. It shows you value the interaction.
Only in very casual emails to friends. For work, 'Até breve' or 'Atenciosamente' is better.
'Desses' is standard in Brazil; 'destes' is more common in Portugal. Both are correct.
No, it implies you *will* see them, just not at a scheduled time.
It's not better, just different. 'Tchau' is a simple exit; 'Até um dia desses' is a more social farewell.
You can, but it sounds more formal or even slightly dramatic/final.
You can say 'Até!', 'Com certeza!', or 'A gente se vê!'.
Only in informal business settings, like coffee breaks or networking.
No, it is understood and used across the entire Portuguese-speaking world.
Only if you have a very friendly, casual relationship with them.
Related Phrases
Até logo
similarSee you later (today)
Até breve
similarSee you soon
Até qualquer dia
synonymSee you any day
A gente se vê
similarWe'll see each other
Passar bem
contrastFarewell / Stay well
