Other Ways to Say "Long Time No See" in English with Examples

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The phrase “long time no see” is frequently used in English to indicate that it has been long since you last spoke or saw someone. Here, we will learn other ways to say “long time no see” in English with helpful usage and example sentences. These phrases are going to strengthen your spoken English conversation and communication skills. Learn the entire lesson and enhance your English language skills.

Primary Usage of Long-Time No-See

The term “long-time no-see” is most commonly used as a casual and cordial welcome when you run into or reconnect with someone you haven’t seen or spoken to. It’s a method to indicate how much time has passed and how happy or surprised you are to see them again.

It is an informal greeting that is commonly used when two people haven’t seen each other in a while. The phrases listed below can all be used to convey the same feeling as “long time no see,” in place of it.

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Other Ways to Say Long Time No See

Here are two different ways to say “long time no see” in English:

Formal ways to say “Long time no see”
Informal ways to say “Long time no see”

List of Formal Ways to Say “Long Time No See”

“Long time no see” is an informal and colloquial expression. When you want to convey a similar sentiment in a more formal or professional manner, you can use the following alternatives:

Great to see you after so long!
What a surprise to see you here after all this time.
I’m so glad to see you!
How nice to be reunited after all this time.
It has been a great many years since I last saw you.
It’s been a while.
It’s good to see you after so long.
It’s been too long.
It’s great to finally see you again.
It’s been an eternity since we last met.
It’s a pleasure to see you after all this time.
It’s a delight to finally see you again.
It’s a reunion long overdue.
It’s been a long time, hasn’t it?

How to Use These Formal Expressions?

It’s crucial to use language that exudes respect and expertise while conversing in more formal or professional settings. You can use expressions like “It’s been a while since we last met” or “I haven’t had the pleasure of seeing you in quite some time” in place of the casual “long time no see.” These options retain a cordial and respectful tone while acknowledging the gap in your encounters. Such expressions ensure that your communication is respectful and polite in formal settings by demonstrating your professionalism and consideration.

List of Informal Ways to Say “Long Time No See”

What a pleasant surprise!
Look who it is!
Fancy meeting you here!
It’s been ages!
When did we last see each other?
Hey, haven’t seen you in ages!
What’s up, long time no talk!
Good to see you, man/bud/pal!
It’s been forever since we last hung out!
Glad to see you’re still around!
Wassup, it’s been a minute!
Long time no hear/see!
Yo, it’s been a hot minute!
Been too long, bro/sis!
Good to see you again, friend!

How to Use These Informal Expressions?

These colloquial phrases are perfect for banter and catching up with friends and acquaintances. They communicate friendliness and delight in reconnecting with someone after long time apart. Saying “What a pleasant surprise!” is one way to express how happy you are to run into someone out of the blue. A humorous method to acknowledge someone’s presence is to say, “Look who it is!” A surprise element is added to a casual encounter with, “Fancy meeting you here!” The expressions “It’s been ages!” and “When did we last see each other?” both emphasize how long it has been since you last spoke. It conveys warmth and familiarity to say things like “Good to see you, man/bud/pal!” and “Glad to see you’re still around!” Overall, these phrases contribute to making interactions feel welcoming and unhurried.

Simple and Slang Expressions for “Long Time No See”

These informal and slang expressions are typically used among close friends or in very casual settings. They add a fun and lighthearted tone to your conversation and show that you’re comfortable and familiar with the person you’re speaking to. Here are some casual and slang ways to say “Long time no see”: