A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Later" in Spanish
Say 'luego' to mean 'later' in Spanish, perfect for casual goodbyes or scheduling future plans.
luego
LWEH-gohneutral
Spanish TTS · 0:01
Use 'luego' when you're saying goodbye and mean 'later' in a general sense, or when making plans for a future time. For example, you can say 'Nos vemos luego' (See you later) or 'Hablamos luego' (We'll talk later).
Alternatives
- despuésUse 'después' when referring to something happening after a specific event or time.
- más tardeThis phrase is a more literal translation and can be used interchangeably with 'luego' or 'después'.
Ways to get it wrong
Confusing with 'luego' as 'therefore'
While 'luego' can sometimes mean 'therefore' or 'then', in casual conversation, it most often means 'later'.
Pronunciation of 'g'
The 'g' in 'luego' is soft, like the 'g' in 'go', not hard like in 'get'.
A small cultural note
In many Latin American countries, saying 'luego' implies a less definite 'later' than in English, sometimes meaning 'eventually' or even 'perhaps never'. Context is key!
Frequently asked
What's the difference between luego and después?
'Luego' is more general for 'later' in a casual goodbye or when scheduling. 'Después' is used when something happens *after* a specific event or time.
How do I say 'see you later' in Spanish?
The most common way is 'Nos vemos luego'. You can also say 'Hasta luego', which is slightly more formal.
Can I use 'luego' for appointments?
You can, but it's quite vague. For specific times, it's better to say 'Nos vemos a las tres' (See you at three) or 'Hablamos más tarde' (We'll talk later).
How do you say later in Spanish?
The most common way to say 'later' in Spanish is 'luego'. You can also use 'después' which also means 'later' or 'after'.
How do you say later in Spanish slang?
In some regions, 'chao' or 'chau' can be used informally to mean 'later' or 'bye'. Another slang term you might hear is 'al rato', which implies a short while later.
How do Mexicans say 'see you later'?
Mexicans often say 'Nos vemos al rato' which translates to 'See you later'. 'Hasta luego' is also a very common and polite way to say 'see you later'.
What's a polite way to say later in Spanish?
A polite and common way to say 'see you later' in Spanish is 'Hasta luego'. 'Nos vemos pronto' meaning 'See you soon' is also a polite option.
