In 15 Seconds
- Emphasizes a long period without seeing someone face-to-face.
- Usually requires the negative verb form 'awanai' to make sense.
- Commonly used in 'long time no see' texts and conversations.
Meaning
This phrase describes a situation where you haven't seen someone in a very long time. It emphasizes a complete lack of face-to-face interaction despite perhaps wanting to catch up.
Key Examples
3 of 6Texting an old school friend
最近、全然会わないね！元気？
We haven't met at all lately! How are you?
Talking to a colleague about a former coworker
佐藤さんとは、辞めてから全然会っていません。
I haven't met Mr. Sato at all since he quit.
Complaining to a partner about a busy friend
彼は忙しすぎて、全然会えないんだよ。
He is so busy that I can't meet him at all.
Cultural Background
Japanese culture values acknowledging the passage of time in relationships to maintain harmony. Western cultures often jump straight to 'How are you?' without emphasizing the time gap.
Use with negative
Always pair with 'nai' forms.
In 15 Seconds
- Emphasizes a long period without seeing someone face-to-face.
- Usually requires the negative verb form 'awanai' to make sense.
- Commonly used in 'long time no see' texts and conversations.
What It Means
Imagine you have a best friend from high school. You used to see them every single day. Now, life happened, and you realize it has been two years since you shared a coffee. That feeling of a massive gap is what 全然会わない (the negative form of this collocation) captures. It is not just about being busy. It is about a total absence of physical meetings. In Japanese, 全然 acts like a giant highlighter. It makes the 'not meeting' part feel much more dramatic and significant.
How To Use It
To use this correctly, you almost always need to change 会う to its negative form, 会わない (awanai) or 会っていない (atteinai). If you say 全然会う, a Japanese person might be confused. They will wonder if you are using modern slang where 全然 means 'totally.' To say 'we don't meet at all,' use the negative. You can drop the subject if it is obvious who you are talking about. Just say 全然会わないね to a friend to acknowledge the long gap. It sounds natural and shows you care about the lost time.
When To Use It
You will use this most often when catching up via text or phone. It is perfect for those 'we should hang out' messages that we all send. You can also use it when talking to a third party. For example, if your mom asks about your brother, you might say you haven't seen him. It works well in casual settings. It also fits in polite business contexts if you use the ~ていません ending. It is a great way to break the ice after a long silence.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this if you saw the person last week. That is way too dramatic! It will make you sound like you are complaining or being needy. Also, avoid using it with people you meet daily, like your boss or spouse. Unless, of course, they have been on a long business trip. In very formal ceremonies, stick to more stiff expressions like ご無沙汰しております. This phrase is a bit too 'everyday' for a speech to the CEO. Finally, do not use it if you are actually meeting them right now!
Cultural Background
In Japan, face-to-face time is highly valued for maintaining 'wa' (harmony). While texting is common, 'meeting' is seen as the true way to nurture a relationship. There is a specific cultural guilt associated with 全然会わない. People often apologize for the gap before starting a conversation. Interestingly, the word 全然 used to be strictly negative. However, younger generations now use it for positive emphasis, like 'totally okay.' But for 'meeting,' the traditional negative structure remains the king of the conversation.
Common Variations
全然会ってない(Zenzen attenai): The most common casual way to say 'haven't been meeting.'全然会えなくて(Zenzen aenakute): A softer way to say 'since we couldn't meet.'全然会わないですね(Zenzen awanai desu ne): The polite version for colleagues or acquaintances.全然会う機会がない(Zenzen au kikai ga nai): 'There is no chance to meet at all.'
Usage Notes
Always pair `全然` with a negative verb form like `会わない` or `会っていない` to mean 'not at all.' Using it with a positive verb is common in youth slang but can be confusing in standard conversation.
Use with negative
Always pair with 'nai' forms.
Examples
6最近、全然会わないね！元気？
We haven't met at all lately! How are you?
A very common way to start a conversation after a long break.
佐藤さんとは、辞めてから全然会っていません。
I haven't met Mr. Sato at all since he quit.
Uses the polite form for a professional yet personal update.
彼は忙しすぎて、全然会えないんだよ。
He is so busy that I can't meet him at all.
Uses the 'can't meet' (potential negative) form for emphasis.
隣に住んでいるのに、全然会わないですね！
Even though we live next door, we never see each other!
Highlights the irony of proximity versus actual interaction.
おじいちゃんに全然会えなくて寂しいです。
I'm lonely because I can't meet my grandfather at all.
Conveys emotional weight and a sense of missing someone.
卒業してから全然会わなかったから、今日は嬉しい！
I'm so happy today because we haven't met at all since graduation!
Sets the stage for why the current meeting is special.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence.
最近、彼と＿＿＿＿＿。
Must use the negative past form.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
1 exercises最近、彼と＿＿＿＿＿。
Must use the negative past form.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsNo, it is too casual.
Related Phrases
久しぶり
synonymLong time no see
