The phrase “à tout alors” is a French expression that can be loosely translated to mean “see you later then” or “until then.” While it is not a commonly used phrase in everyday French, it is grammatically correct and can be understood as a slightly informal way of saying goodbye for a short time.
Breaking Down the Phrase
- À tout:
- This is shorthand for the phrase “à tout à l’heure”, which means “see you in a little while” or “see you soon.”
- It implies a short-term farewell, typically when you expect to see the person again later the same day.
- Alors:
- This word translates to “then” in English.
- In this context, it adds a conversational tone, like saying, “Alright, see you later then.”
When combined, “à tout alors” gives a friendly and casual vibe, similar to how English speakers might say, “See you in a bit, then.”
Usage in Context
While “à tout alors” is not as widely used as “à tout à l’heure,” you might hear it in informal conversations or as a regional variation. It conveys a relaxed tone and is typically used among friends, family, or colleagues in casual settings.
Examples:
- Person A: “On se retrouve au café cet après-midi?” (Are we meeting at the café this afternoon?)
- Person B: “Oui, à tout alors!” (Yes, see you later then!)
- Person A: “Je dois partir maintenant.” (I have to leave now.)
- Person B: “D’accord, à tout alors.” (Alright, see you later then.)
Similar Expressions
If you’re learning French or want to expand your vocabulary, here are a few alternatives to “à tout alors”:
- À tout à l’heure: The standard way to say “See you in a little while.”
- À plus tard: Means “See you later.”
- À bientôt: Translates to “See you soon.”
- À plus (informal): A casual way of saying “See you later.”
Although “à tout alors” is not a widely used phrase, it is a grammatically correct and informal way to say “See you later, then” in French. If you’re learning the language, it’s a fun and unique expression to add to your conversational repertoire, perfect for casual goodbyes among friends.