What does “Long time no see” mean?
"Long time no see" means it has been a while since we last saw each other.
What context can I use the in?
Example
Hey! Long time no see! How have you been?
Example
I bumped into an old friend yesterday and we both exclaimed, 'Long time no see!'
Example
We should catch up soon. Long time no see
Is “Long time no see” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Long time no see” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Long time no see” effectively in context?
You can use "Long time no see" to greet someone you haven't seen in a while. It expresses that it has been a long time since you last saw each other and implies that you are happy to see them again. For example, if you run into an old friend you haven't seen in years, you might say, 'Hey! Long time no see! How have you been?'
- 1Meeting an old friend
I bumped into an old friend yesterday and we both exclaimed, 'Long time no see!'
- 2Planning to meet up
We should catch up soon. Long time no see.
- 3Reconnecting with a colleague
After being away on a business trip, you might say to a coworker, 'Long time no see. How's everything going?'
Similar phrases to “Long time no see”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Long time no see” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Long time no see" is unknown.
Is “Long time no see” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Long time no see" is a very common expression in everyday conversation. It is often used to greet someone you haven't seen in a while and is considered a friendly and informal way to acknowledge the passage of time since your last meeting.
What tone does “Long time no see” have?
"Long time no see" conveys a tone of familiarity and warmth. It is typically used in a friendly context to express happiness at seeing someone after a long period of time.
Can “Long time no see” be used in informal and formal settings?
Long time no see is an informal expression that is commonly used in casual conversations with friends, family, and acquaintances. It is not typically used in formal or professional settings.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
Long time no see is commonly used as a standalone phrase to greet someone. For example, you can simply say, 'Long time no see!' when you meet someone you haven't seen in a while. However, it can also be used as part of a longer sentence, such as 'Hey! Long time no see! How have you been?'
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- it's been a while
- haven't seen you in ages
- nice to see you again
- good to see you after so long
- glad to catch up
Antonyms
- just saw you
- see you all the time
- we meet often
- we've been in touch regularly
- we keep running into each other
