A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "See you in a bit" in Italian
Italian for 'see you in a bit,' a casual way to say goodbye when you'll see someone again soon.
A tra poco
ah tra POH-kohcasual
Italian TTS · 0:01
Use this when you're leaving a friend or acquaintance but expect to see them again later the same day, or very soon. It's perfect for saying goodbye at work before a lunch break, or when leaving a shop and planning to return.
Alternatives
- Ci vediamo dopoSlightly more general, 'we'll see each other later'.
- A dopoEven more concise, very common and casual.
Ways to get it wrong
Don't say 'in un poco'
'In un poco' is not a standard Italian phrase; 'a poco' means 'little by little'.
Pronounce 'poco' correctly
The 'o' sounds are open, like in 'pot', not closed like in 'pool'.
A small cultural note
Italians often use phrases that indicate a short, specific timeframe when parting, reflecting a fluid sense of time.
Frequently asked
When to use a tra poco vs ci vediamo?
'A tra poco' implies a very short, imminent reunion. 'Ci vediamo' is more general for seeing each other later.
Is a tra poco formal or informal?
It's generally considered casual but can be used in many neutral situations too. It's a safe bet for most everyday goodbyes.
What does 'tra poco' mean literally?
Literally, 'tra' means 'between' and 'poco' means 'little,' so it translates to 'between a little' or 'in a little while'.
