Long time no see
After long absence
Literalmente: Long (time) + time + no (not) + see (to see someone)
Em 15 segundos
- Used when meeting someone after a long period apart.
- Grammatically incorrect but universally accepted and very common.
- Best for friends, family, and casual acquaintances.
- Acts as an immediate icebreaker for catching up.
Significado
You say this when you meet someone you haven't seen in a very long time. It is a warm, friendly way to acknowledge the gap since your last meeting.
Exemplos-chave
3 de 6Running into an old classmate
Hey, long time no see! Are you still living in the city?
Hey, long time no see! Are you still living in the city?
Starting a casual catch-up email
Long time no see! I was just thinking about our trip to Italy.
Long time no see! I was just thinking about our trip to Italy.
A slightly more professional but warm meeting
Long time no see, Sarah. I hope your new project is going well.
Long time no see, Sarah. I hope your new project is going well.
Contexto cultural
In the US, this phrase is often accompanied by a hug or a firm handshake, depending on the level of closeness. It is seen as very high-energy and positive. British speakers use it frequently, but it might be followed by a slightly more reserved 'How are things?' or 'You alright?' Because the phrase is a direct translation of a Chinese idiom, Chinese learners of English find this phrase particularly easy and natural to use. In modern tech startups, this phrase is common even between managers and employees, reflecting a 'flat' hierarchy.
Smile while saying it
This phrase is all about warmth. A big smile makes it sound much more natural.
Don't use with strangers
If you say this to someone you've never met, they will be very confused!
Em 15 segundos
- Used when meeting someone after a long period apart.
- Grammatically incorrect but universally accepted and very common.
- Best for friends, family, and casual acquaintances.
- Acts as an immediate icebreaker for catching up.
What It Means
Long time no see is a friendly greeting. It is used when you run into someone unexpectedly. Or when you finally meet a friend after months or years. It is not grammatically perfect English. It sounds like a broken sentence. But that is exactly why people love it. It feels casual and easy. It shows you are happy to see them again.
How To Use It
Use it as a conversation starter. You usually say it right after Hello or Hey. You can also use it as the very first thing you say. It is often followed by a question. For example: Long time no see! How have you been? It works perfectly in person. It also works great in a text message or an email to an old friend. Don't worry about the grammar. Just say it with a big smile.
When To Use It
Use it when the time gap feels significant. This could be a few months or several years. Use it at a high school reunion. Use it when you see a former coworker at a coffee shop. It is great for social gatherings. It is also perfect for catching up with family members. If you haven't seen your cousin since last Christmas, this is your phrase. It breaks the ice instantly.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for short gaps. If you saw the person last week, it sounds sarcastic. Do not use it in very formal business letters. Avoid it when meeting a high-ranking official for the second time. It is a bit too relaxed for a courtroom or a funeral. If you are meeting a stranger, obviously, do not use it. They will be very confused! Also, avoid it if the 'not seeing' was because of a big fight.
Cultural Background
This phrase has a fascinating history. Many linguists believe it came from 'Pidgin English.' It likely originated from Chinese or Native American speech patterns. It was adopted by English speakers in the late 19th century. Today, it is used globally. It represents how English absorbs different cultures. It is a 'rule-breaking' phrase that became a standard rule. It feels nostalgic and welcoming to most native speakers.
Common Variations
If you want to mix it up, try these. It's been ages! is very common. It's been a while is a bit more understated. For something more modern, try Look who it is! Some people say Stranger danger! as a joke to friends. If you want to be more formal, say It has been a long time. But Long time no see remains the king of casual reunions. It is short, punchy, and everyone knows exactly what it means.
Notas de uso
This phrase is the gold standard for casual reunions. While it is grammatically 'broken,' using it correctly makes you sound very natural and fluent in social English.
Smile while saying it
This phrase is all about warmth. A big smile makes it sound much more natural.
Don't use with strangers
If you say this to someone you've never met, they will be very confused!
The 'Rising' Tone
Use a rising intonation at the end of 'see' to sound excited and friendly.
The 'Stranger' Joke
If you are very close, you can say 'Long time no see, stranger!' to be playful.
Exemplos
6Hey, long time no see! Are you still living in the city?
Hey, long time no see! Are you still living in the city?
A classic way to start a conversation after years apart.
Long time no see! I was just thinking about our trip to Italy.
Long time no see! I was just thinking about our trip to Italy.
Works well as an opening line for digital communication.
Long time no see, Sarah. I hope your new project is going well.
Long time no see, Sarah. I hope your new project is going well.
Acceptable in business if you have a prior friendly relationship.
Long time no see! We need to grab coffee soon.
Long time no see! We need to grab coffee soon.
Short and low-pressure way to reconnect.
Long time no see! Did you move to Mars or something?
Long time no see! Did you move to Mars or something?
Using humor to point out a friend's recent absence.
Oh wow, long time no see! You've grown so much.
Oh wow, long time no see! You've grown so much.
Commonly used by relatives who haven't seen you in years.
Teste-se
Complete the greeting with the correct phrase.
Hey Sarah! ____ time no see! How have you been?
'Long time no see' is the fixed idiom.
Which of these is the most natural casual greeting for an old friend?
You see a friend you haven't seen in 2 years. What do you say?
While the others are grammatically okay, 'Long time no see!' is the most natural idiomatic greeting.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: 'Wow, is that you, Mark?' B: 'Yes! ____ ____ ____ ____!'
The idiom never changes its form.
Match the greeting to the correct situation.
Situation: You are at a job interview with a CEO you have never met.
'Long time no see' is only for people you have met before in casual settings.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosHey Sarah! ____ time no see! How have you been?
'Long time no see' is the fixed idiom.
You see a friend you haven't seen in 2 years. What do you say?
While the others are grammatically okay, 'Long time no see!' is the most natural idiomatic greeting.
A: 'Wow, is that you, Mark?' B: 'Yes! ____ ____ ____ ____!'
The idiom never changes its form.
Situation: You are at a job interview with a CEO you have never met.
'Long time no see' is only for people you have met before in casual settings.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasTechnically, no. It lacks a subject and a verb. However, it is a 'lexicalized phrase,' meaning it is accepted as a single unit of meaning in English.
Yes, in a casual or semi-formal email to someone you haven't contacted in a while. For formal business, use 'I hope you are doing well.'
Usually, 'I know! It's been too long!' or 'Yes, how have you been?'
There's no set rule, but usually anything from 3 months to 30 years! If it's only been a week, it sounds sarcastic.
Not at all! It is considered very friendly and warm.
It's better to stick to 'Long time no see.' Adding 'you' makes it sound like a non-native mistake.
Yes, it is very common in the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
If you have a friendly, casual relationship with your boss, yes. If your boss is very formal, use 'It's been a while.'
Because it's a direct translation from a pidgin language, it kept the 'no' structure. It's just the way the idiom formed!
It's more of an informal idiom than slang. Most people of all ages use it.
Frases relacionadas
It's been a while
synonymA slightly more formal way to say the same thing.
It's been ages
similarEmphasizes that a very long time has passed.
Hey stranger
informalA playful way to greet someone you haven't seen.
Nice to see you again
neutralA polite greeting for someone you've met before.
