In 15 Seconds
- A friendly way to say 'see you' when parting ways.
- Implies you will definitely meet the person again soon.
- Perfect for friends, colleagues, and regular service staff.
Meaning
It is a friendly, versatile way to say goodbye when you expect to cross paths with someone again. It implies a sense of continuity and future connection.
Key Examples
3 of 6Leaving a coffee shop with a friend
今天很开心，下次见！
Today was fun, see you next time!
Ending a casual business lunch
合作愉快，我们下次见。
Great working with you, see you next time.
Texting a crush after a date
到家了，下次见：）
I'm home, see you next time! :)
Cultural Background
In urban China, {下次见|xiàcì jiàn} is often paired with a hand wave. It's the standard way to end interactions in fast-paced cities like Shanghai or Beijing. In Taiwan, you might hear {下次见|xiàcì jiàn} followed by a very soft {拜拜|bàibài}. The tone is often more melodic and rising at the end. In 'Singlish' influenced contexts, you might hear 'Next time see!' which is a literal translation of {下次见|xiàcì jiàn} used in English speech. Using {下次见|xiàcì jiàn} with a client you've just met for the first time can be a subtle way to signal that you expect to win their business and see them again.
The 'Time First' Rule
Always remember: in Chinese, you say WHEN you will see them before the word SEE. {下次|xiàcì} + {见|jiàn}.
Add a 'Ba'
Adding {吧|ba} at the end ({下次见吧|xiàcì jiàn ba}) makes it sound more like a suggestion and very natural.
In 15 Seconds
- A friendly way to say 'see you' when parting ways.
- Implies you will definitely meet the person again soon.
- Perfect for friends, colleagues, and regular service staff.
What It Means
下次见 (xià cì jiàn) is your go-to phrase for parting ways. It literally translates to "Next time see." It is warm, optimistic, and very common. You are basically telling the other person that this isn't the end. It is a bridge to your next encounter. It feels much more personal than a cold "goodbye."
How To Use It
Just drop it at the end of a conversation. You can say it as you walk away. You can type it at the end of a chat. It works perfectly on its own. If you want to be specific, you can add a time. For example, 明天见 means "see you tomorrow." But 下次见 is great when you aren't sure exactly when you'll meet again. It keeps the door open without a calendar invite.
When To Use It
Use it with friends after grabbing bubble tea. Use it with a language partner after a session. It is perfect for your favorite barista as you leave the shop. Even in a relaxed business meeting, it sounds professional yet friendly. It shows you enjoyed the interaction. It is the "see ya" of the Chinese world. It is safe, polite, and makes people smile.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if you are never going to see them again. If you are quitting a job on bad terms, skip it. If you are breaking up with someone, this might send the wrong signal! It implies a future meeting. Also, in extremely formal ceremonies, a more traditional 再见 (zàijiàn) might be preferred. But honestly, it is hard to offend anyone with this phrase. Just don't say it to a stranger you bumped into on the subway.
Cultural Background
Chinese culture values long-term relationships and "saving face." Saying goodbye can sometimes feel a bit heavy or final. 下次见 lightens the mood. It focuses on the "next time" rather than the current departure. It reflects a culture that prioritizes recurring social circles. In the past, people used more flowery language. Today, this modern phrase is the king of casual social harmony.
Common Variations
If you are feeling extra casual, try 下次聊 (xià cì liáo) which means "talk next time." If you are in a rush, a simple "Bye-bye" (written as 拜拜) is very popular in cities. If you know exactly when you'll meet, swap 下次 for the day. 周一见 (zhōu yī jiàn) means "see you Monday." It is like a Lego set—just swap the first part to fit your schedule!
Usage Notes
The phrase is highly versatile and sits comfortably in the neutral-to-informal range. It is rarely 'wrong' to use unless the situation is incredibly somber or final.
The 'Time First' Rule
Always remember: in Chinese, you say WHEN you will see them before the word SEE. {下次|xiàcì} + {见|jiàn}.
Add a 'Ba'
Adding {吧|ba} at the end ({下次见吧|xiàcì jiàn ba}) makes it sound more like a suggestion and very natural.
Not for Strangers
Don't say this to a random person on the street unless you actually expect to run into them again.
Examples
6今天很开心，下次见！
Today was fun, see you next time!
A classic way to end a hang-out.
合作愉快，我们下次见。
Great working with you, see you next time.
Adds a touch of warmth to a professional relationship.
到家了，下次见：）
I'm home, see you next time! :)
The smiley face and the phrase show interest in another date.
同学们，课后记得复习，下次见！
Class, remember to review after school, see you next time!
Standard teacher-student closing.
别难过，下次见我会赢更多！
Don't be sad, see you next time and I'll win even more!
Using the phrase to playfully taunt a friend.
天气不错，我有事先进去了，下次见！
The weather is nice, I have to go in now, see you next time!
Polite way to end small talk.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank to say 'See you next time' to your teacher.
{老师|lǎoshī}，_______！
The correct order is Time ({下次|xiàcì}) + Verb ({见|jiàn}).
Which of these is the most natural way to end a casual phone call with a friend?
Ending a call:
{下次见|xiàcì jiàn} is the perfect neutral-informal closer.
Complete the dialogue.
A: {今天|jīntiān}{谢谢|xièxiè}{你|nǐ}{请|qǐng}{我|wǒ}{喝|hē}{咖啡|kāfēi}。 B: {不客气|búkèqì}，_______。
After someone thanks you for a social outing, 'See you next time' is a natural way to end.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are leaving a weekly yoga class.
{下次见|xiàcì jiàn} is ideal for recurring scheduled events.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises{老师|lǎoshī}，_______！
The correct order is Time ({下次|xiàcì}) + Verb ({见|jiàn}).
Ending a call:
{下次见|xiàcì jiàn} is the perfect neutral-informal closer.
A: {今天|jīntiān}{谢谢|xièxiè}{你|nǐ}{请|qǐng}{我|wǒ}{喝|hē}{咖啡|kāfēi}。 B: {不客气|búkèqì}，_______。
After someone thanks you for a social outing, 'See you next time' is a natural way to end.
Situation: You are leaving a weekly yoga class.
{下次见|xiàcì jiàn} is ideal for recurring scheduled events.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, it feels slightly more friendly and less 'final' than a standard {再见|zàijiàn}.
Yes, it's a great way to end a friendly or semi-formal email.
In Chinese, if the object is obvious, it's often dropped. Saying {下次见你|xiàcì jiàn nǐ} sounds a bit like a direct translation from English.
That's fine! {下次见|xiàcì jiàn} is used even if the next meeting isn't scheduled yet.
Related Phrases
{再见|zàijiàn}
similarGoodbye (literally: again see)
{回头见|huítóu jiàn}
similarSee you later (today)
{明天见|míngtiān jiàn}
specialized formSee you tomorrow
{下次聊|xiàcì liáo}
similarTalk to you next time
