In 15 Seconds
- The standard greeting for people you haven't seen lately.
- Directly translates to 'Very long time no see'.
- Works for friends, family, and even former professional contacts.
Meaning
This is the classic way to greet someone you haven't seen in a while. It's a warm, friendly way to acknowledge the time that has passed since your last meeting.
Key Examples
3 of 6Meeting an old high school friend
好久不见！你最近怎么样？
Long time no see! How have you been lately?
Bumping into a former coworker at a mall
王经理，好久不见。
Manager Wang, long time no see.
Sending a WeChat message to a cousin
好久不见了，什么时候有空聚聚？
Long time no see, when are you free to hang out?
Cultural Background
In Mainland China, this phrase is often followed by a comment on health or work, reflecting the 'iron rice bowl' culture where stability is valued. In Taiwan, the tone might be slightly softer, often adding particles like {喔|ō} or {耶|yé} at the end to sound more friendly. Among overseas Chinese, this phrase is a powerful 'shibboleth' that instantly creates a sense of shared heritage when meeting in a foreign country. In business, saying this acknowledges a 'long-term partnership' ({长期合作|chángqī hézuò}), which is highly prized over one-off deals.
The Tone Sandhi Rule
Remember that {好|hǎo} and {久|jiǔ} are both 3rd tones. Say 'háo jiǔ' (2nd + 3rd) to sound like a native.
Follow up!
In China, never just say {好久不见|hǎojiǔ bùjiàn} and stop. Always follow up with a question about their life or health.
In 15 Seconds
- The standard greeting for people you haven't seen lately.
- Directly translates to 'Very long time no see'.
- Works for friends, family, and even former professional contacts.
What It Means
好久不见 is the ultimate reunion phrase. It literally translates to 'very long time no see.' It is warm, welcoming, and instantly bridges the gap between friends. You use it to show you've missed someone. It acknowledges the passage of time with a smile.
How To Use It
Simply say it the moment you see your friend. You can add their name at the end. For example, 好久不见，小王！ It works perfectly as a standalone greeting. You don't need complex grammar here. Just say it with a big grin. It often follows a high-five or a hug. It is the perfect icebreaker for old connections.
When To Use It
Use it when bumping into an old classmate. Use it when meeting a former colleague for coffee. It is great for family reunions too. If you haven't seen someone for a month, it's perfect. If it's been ten years, it's even better. It works in person or over a video call. You can even use it in a text message. It feels natural in almost any social setting.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for people you see every day. That would just be weird and confusing. Avoid using it with your boss if you just saw them yesterday. It’s not for strangers you’ve never met before. If the gap was only two days, stick to 你好. Using it too soon makes you look a bit forgetful. Save it for when the 'long time' part is actually true.
Cultural Background
This phrase is so iconic it actually entered English. Many linguists believe 'Long time no see' is a literal translation from Chinese. It reflects a culture that values long-term relationships. In China, maintaining 'Guanxi' (connections) is very important. This phrase is the verbal glue for those connections. It shows you haven't forgotten the person despite the distance. It’s a small phrase with a lot of heart.
Common Variations
If you want to sound more casual, try 好久没见了. Adding the 了 at the end makes it sound more conversational. In very formal settings, you might hear 久违了. That one sounds like it’s from a period drama! For texting, you can just send 好久不见 with a waving emoji. If you are really excited, repeat the first part: 好久好久不见！ It adds extra emphasis to how much you missed them.
Usage Notes
This phrase is incredibly versatile and carries a neutral to friendly register. There are no major social 'gotchas'—it is almost always a positive thing to say to someone you recognize.
The Tone Sandhi Rule
Remember that {好|hǎo} and {久|jiǔ} are both 3rd tones. Say 'háo jiǔ' (2nd + 3rd) to sound like a native.
Follow up!
In China, never just say {好久不见|hǎojiǔ bùjiàn} and stop. Always follow up with a question about their life or health.
Don't be too literal
Don't use this if it's only been a few days. It makes you seem overly dramatic.
Examples
6好久不见！你最近怎么样？
Long time no see! How have you been lately?
A standard, friendly opening for a catch-up session.
王经理，好久不见。
Manager Wang, long time no see.
Adding a title makes it respectful yet warm.
好久不见了，什么时候有空聚聚？
Long time no see, when are you free to hang out?
The 'le' at the end adds a casual, rhythmic flow.
我的天，好久不见！你变瘦了！
Oh my god, long time no see! You've lost weight!
In China, commenting on weight change is a common (if blunt) sign of care.
哎呀，好久不见，我以为你掉进去了！
Oh, long time no see, I thought you fell in!
Using a 'long time' phrase for a short absence is a classic joke.
老师，真的是好久不见了。
Teacher, it really has been a long time.
Adding 'really' (真的是) emphasizes the depth of time.
Test Yourself
Complete the greeting.
{好___不见！|hǎo ___ bùjiàn!}
{久|jiǔ} is the correct word for a duration of time in this idiom.
Which situation is appropriate for {好久不见|hǎojiǔ bùjiàn}?
Choose the best scenario:
This phrase requires a pre-existing relationship and a significant gap in time.
What would you say next?
A: {好久不见！|hǎojiǔ bùjiàn!} B: {是啊，好久不见。_________?|shì a, hǎojiǔ bùjiàn. _________?}
After 'Long time no see,' it's natural to ask 'How have you been lately?'
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercises{好___不见！|hǎo ___ bùjiàn!}
{久|jiǔ} is the correct word for a duration of time in this idiom.
Choose the best scenario:
This phrase requires a pre-existing relationship and a significant gap in time.
A: {好久不见！|hǎojiǔ bùjiàn!} B: {是啊，好久不见。_________?|shì a, hǎojiǔ bùjiàn. _________?}
After 'Long time no see,' it's natural to ask 'How have you been lately?'
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, it is neutral. Just add their title: {王经理，好久不见|Wáng jīnglǐ, hǎojiǔ bùjiàn}.
Exactly the same. In fact, the English phrase likely comes from the Chinese one.
{好久不见|hǎojiǔ bùjiàn} is more of a fixed greeting. {好久没见|hǎojiǔ méijiàn} is more of a statement about the past.
Usually at least a few weeks. If you see them every day, 'long' could be one week.
Related Phrases
{最近怎么样？|zuìjìn zěnmeyàng?}
similarHow have you been lately?
{久仰|jiǔyǎng}
contrastI've long looked forward to meeting you.
{别来无恙|bié lái wú yàng}
specialized formI hope you have been well since we last met.
{好久没见了|hǎojiǔ méijiàn le}
synonymHaven't seen you for a long time.
{重逢|chóngféng}
builds onTo reunite.
