long time no see

/lɔŋ ˈtaɪm noʊ ˈsiː/
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A friendly greeting after a long separation

Examples

  • Wow, long time no see – I didn't expect to run into you here.
  • Hey, long time no see! How have you been?
  • Well, long time no see! I thought you had moved away.
  • It's been ages, long time no see. We should grab coffee soon.
  • After the reunion, she whispered, long time no see, with a grin.

Similar words

it's been ages
haven't seen you in forever
it's been a while

Meanings

Greeting after a long absence

social
informal
A friendly way to say that you have not seen someone for a long time

Examples

  • Hey, long time no see! How have you been?
  • Wow, long time no see – I didn't expect to run into you here.
  • It's been ages, long time no see. We should grab coffee soon.
  • Well, long time no see! I thought you had moved away.
  • After the reunion, she whispered, long time no see, with a grin.

Similar words

Etymology

A fixed expression built from ordinary words whose combination has become conventional.

FAQ

What does long time no see mean?

It is a friendly way to say you haven’t seen someone for a long time.

When should I use long time no see?

Use it as a greeting when you meet someone after a long separation, especially in casual settings.

Is long time no see formal or informal?

It is informal, not suitable for formal contexts.

What is the register of long time no see?

The phrase has an informal register.

In what context is long time no see used?

It is used in social conversations when reuniting after a long absence.

What are some synonyms for long time no see?

Synonyms include “it’s been ages”, “haven’t seen you in forever”, and “it’s been a while”.

Can long time no see be used in writing?

It is mainly a spoken greeting; in writing it may sound too casual.

How do native speakers typically say long time no see?

They usually say it quickly as a friendly greeting, often with a smile.

Is long time no see appropriate for business emails?

No, it is too informal for business emails; a more formal greeting is preferred.

What is the domain of long time no see?

The phrase belongs to the social domain.

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