In 15 Seconds
- Use for seeing someone again later the same day.
- Casual, friendly, and very common in daily life.
- Equivalent to 'See you in a bit' or 'See ya later'.
Meaning
This is the perfect way to say 'see you soon' when you know you will run into the same person later that same day. It is warm, casual, and implies a very short gap in time.
Key Examples
3 of 6Leaving for a quick lunch break
我去买个三明治，一会儿见！
I'm going to buy a sandwich, see you in a bit!
Ending a phone call before a date
我出门了，一会儿见！
I'm heading out, see you soon!
To a colleague before a scheduled meeting
会议室见，一会儿见。
See you in the conference room, see you in a bit.
Cultural Background
The 'Erhua' (r-suffix) is extremely strong here. You will hear a very distinct 'r' sound at the end of 'hui'. It sounds cozy and local. The 'r' sound is often completely dropped. People will say 'yīhuì jiàn' or 'děng huì jiàn'. It sounds softer and more 'standard' to some ears. Even in business, if you are having a lunch break during a long negotiation, using this phrase shows a friendly, cooperative spirit. In texting, people often use the emoji 👋 or 🕒 followed by '一会儿见'. It's a very common way to end a quick coordination chat.
The 5-Hour Rule
As a rule of thumb, if the meeting is more than 5 hours away but still today, {一会儿见|yīhuǐ'er jiàn} is still okay, but {回头见|huítóu jiàn} might feel more natural.
Don't over-pronounce the 'R'
In Northern China, the 'r' is subtle. Don't make it a separate syllable like 'er'; just curl your tongue at the end of 'hui'.
In 15 Seconds
- Use for seeing someone again later the same day.
- Casual, friendly, and very common in daily life.
- Equivalent to 'See you in a bit' or 'See ya later'.
What It Means
一会儿见 is your go-to phrase for short-term reunions. It literally means 'meet in a little while.' Use it when you are parting ways for minutes or a few hours. It is friendly and suggests a clear plan to reconnect soon.
How To Use It
Simply drop this phrase as you walk away. You do not need a complex sentence structure. It functions exactly like 'See ya!' in English. You can say it to friends, colleagues, or even the delivery driver. It feels natural and effortless in almost any conversation.
When To Use It
Use it when you are grabbing coffee before a meeting. Use it when you are hanging up a phone call with a friend you are meeting for dinner. It is perfect for the office when heading to separate desks. If you will see them before the sun goes down, this works.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this if you are seeing someone tomorrow. That would be 明天见. If the reunion is weeks away, this will sound very confusing. Avoid using it with high-ranking officials in extremely stiff ceremonies. It might feel a bit too breezy for a funeral or a breakup.
Cultural Background
Chinese culture values social harmony and 'face.' Saying 一会儿见 confirms that the relationship is ongoing. It is a verbal bridge that keeps the connection alive. It is much warmer than a final 'Goodbye.' It implies you are part of the same social circle.
Common Variations
待会儿见is a common alternative in Northern China.等下见is very popular in Southern China and Taiwan.回头见means 'see you later' and is slightly more vague.一会见(dropping the儿) is common in fast, casual speech.
Usage Notes
This phrase is highly versatile but leans casual. It is best used when a follow-up meeting is already confirmed for the same day.
The 5-Hour Rule
As a rule of thumb, if the meeting is more than 5 hours away but still today, {一会儿见|yīhuǐ'er jiàn} is still okay, but {回头见|huítóu jiàn} might feel more natural.
Don't over-pronounce the 'R'
In Northern China, the 'r' is subtle. Don't make it a separate syllable like 'er'; just curl your tongue at the end of 'hui'.
Smile while saying it
This is a warm phrase. A small wave or a smile makes it much more authentic.
Examples
6我去买个三明治，一会儿见！
I'm going to buy a sandwich, see you in a bit!
Perfect for a 15-minute gap.
我出门了，一会儿见！
I'm heading out, see you soon!
Shows excitement for the upcoming meeting.
会议室见，一会儿见。
See you in the conference room, see you in a bit.
Professional yet relaxed.
没事，慢慢来，一会儿见！
No worries, take your time, see you in a bit!
Uses the phrase to reassure the other person.
我又忘了钥匙！我马上回来，一会儿见！
I forgot my keys again! I'll be right back, see you in a bit!
Used when the 'bit' is only a few minutes.
晚上见，一会儿见。
See you tonight, see you soon.
Expresses affection through the anticipation of meeting again.
Test Yourself
Which phrase is best when you are leaving work at 5 PM and will see your colleague tomorrow morning?
Goodbye! See you tomorrow!
{明天见|míngtiān jiàn} means 'See you tomorrow,' which is correct for this context.
Complete the sentence: I'm going to the bathroom, _______.
{我|wǒ}{去|qù}{洗手间|xǐshǒujiān}，_______。
Since you are coming right back, {一会儿见|yīhuǐ'er jiàn} is the most natural choice.
What would Person B say?
Person A: {我们|wǒmen}{下午|xiàwǔ}{三点|sāndiǎn}{在|zài}{咖啡店|kāfēidiàn}{见|jiàn}。 Person B: ________。
Person B is confirming they will see Person A later today.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesGoodbye! See you tomorrow!
{明天见|míngtiān jiàn} means 'See you tomorrow,' which is correct for this context.
{我|wǒ}{去|qù}{洗手间|xǐshǒujiān}，_______。
Since you are coming right back, {一会儿见|yīhuǐ'er jiàn} is the most natural choice.
Person A: {我们|wǒmen}{下午|xiàwǔ}{三点|sāndiǎn}{在|zài}{咖啡店|kāfēidiàn}{见|jiàn}。 Person B: ________。
Person B is confirming they will see Person A later today.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is perfectly polite for a boss you see every day, especially in a casual office.
The dictionary tone for {会|huì} is 4th (falling), but in this phrase, it often shifts to 3rd (dipping) because of the 'er' suffix.
Then do not use it! Use {明天见|míngtiān jiàn} (tomorrow) or {下次见|xiàcì jiàn} (next time).
Yes, but they usually say 'yīhuì jiàn' without the 'r' sound.
Only in a very casual email to a close colleague. For formal emails, use something else.
No, it just means 'a short while.' It could be 5 minutes or 3 hours.
{回头见|huítóu jiàn} is slightly more casual and 'cooler,' like 'See ya later.'
No, just '{一会儿见|yīhuǐ'er jiàn}' is enough. Adding 'nǐ' (you) is redundant and sounds like a translation from English.
If you are splitting up to go to the cinema after dinner, yes! It's very sweet.
Just repeat it back: '{一会儿见|yīhuǐ'er jiàn}！' or say '{好|hǎo}的' (Okay).
Related Phrases
{再见|zàijiàn}
similarGoodbye
{明天见|míngtiān jiàn}
similarSee you tomorrow
{回头见|huítóu jiàn}
synonymSee you later
{等一下|děng yīxià}
builds onWait a moment
{好走|hǎozǒu}
contrastTake care (walk well)
