The origins and meaning of à plus dans le bus

Last month, we looked at the rhyming phrase ça roule, ma poule. This month, we are back with another similar expression that French speakers use when saying goodbye to friends. 

What does à plus dans le bus mean?

This phrase literally translates as: see you later in the bus. 

You do not actually have to anticipate seeing someone on public transport to say this. It can be used in any casual context as a fun way of saying goodbye to someone who you intend to see again in the near future. 

Similar synonymous phrases include:

• À bientôt - See you soon

• À plus tard - See you later

• À tout à l'heure - See you shortly 

How do you say à plus dans le bus?

Although the French words plus and bus also exist in English, they are not pronounced in the same way. 

Rather than making an ‘uh’ sound, the letter U makes a short ‘oo’ sound: [ploos] and [boos]. 

And don’t forget that the letter S at the end of dans is silent. 

What are the origins of à plus dans le bus?

The expression stems from the phrase à plus tard (see you later), which can also be shortened to à plus (later). 

It is unclear when exactly ‘dans le bus’ was added on. However, the inspiration likely comes from the rhyme between ‘plus’ and ‘bus’, creating a sing-song saying for children and informal situations. 

When do you say à plus dans le bus?

Say this when saying goodbye to someone that you see quite regularly:

• Ma mère m'attend dehors. À plus dans le bus ! - My mum is waiting for me outside. Later, gator! 

Just like the English equivalent, people in France sometimes use a rhyming phrase in response to this saying:

• Statement: À plus dans le bus. - See you later, alligator.

• Response: À bientôt dans le métro. - In a while, crocodile. 

To whom do you say à plus dans le bus?

It is informal language and should only really be used in casual situations with friends and close family members. 

Some people use it in a sarcastic and humoristic way, to make their friends cringe or roll their eyes. 

If you would like us to explain a particular word or expression, or if you have any other Learning French suggestions, let us know at: feedback@connexionfrance.com