Ever run into an old friend and freeze, unsure what to say? That’s where 👋 long time no see 👋 comes in, but just saying it can feel awkward or basic. You want something that sparks connection, shows warmth, and makes the reunion feel genuine.
In this guide, you’ll discover creative alternatives to “long time no see” and friendly conversation starters to reconnect smoothly. By the end, you’ll know how to turn any meeting into a memorable, authentic conversation.
Meaning of Other Ways To Say “Long Time No See”👋
Long time no see is a common phrase used to greet someone you haven’t met in a while. It comes from early 20th-century Chinese Pidgin English, translating the Chinese “好久不见 (hǎo jiǔ bú jiàn),” meaning “haven’t seen you for a long time.”
Today, it’s used in casual conversation to reconnect with friends, colleagues, or acquaintances and shows warmth and friendliness after a long time.
Other Ways to Say “Long Time No See”
- It’s been a while
- Haven’t seen you in ages
- It’s been too long
- Feels like forever since we last met
- Where have you been hiding?
- I haven’t seen you around lately
- It’s been a minute
- Long time, no chat
- It’s been ages since we caught up
- Look who it is!
- I’ve missed you
- It’s been forever!
- Where have you been all this time?
- I can’t believe it’s been so long
- Good to see you again
- It’s been a while since our paths crossed
- Long time no talk
- How long has it been?
- It feels like ages
- We haven’t met in forever
- It’s been way too long
- So nice to see you after so long
- Haven’t caught up in a while
- It’s been a long while
- I didn’t expect to see you here!
1. It’s been a while
Scenario: You bump into a friend at a coffee shop you haven’t seen in months.
Explanation: It’s been a while is a casual, friendly way to acknowledge a gap in time since your last meeting. It shows warmth, familiarity, and a relaxed tone, perfect for reconnecting with friends or colleagues.
Examples:
- Hey! It’s been a while, how have you been?
- Wow, it’s been a while since our last lunch together!
- It’s been a while, hasn’t it? We should catch up soon.
- I can’t believe it’s been a while since we worked on that project.
- It’s been a while, but you haven’t changed a bit!
Why it Works: This phrase is simple, relatable, and warm, making it easy to restart conversations naturally.
2. Haven’t seen you in ages
Scenario: Running into a former coworker at a networking event.
Explanation: Haven’t seen you in ages expresses surprise and delight, emphasizing a long time since the last encounter. It’s friendly and enthusiastic, perfect for casual or semi-formal reunions.
Examples:
- Wow! Haven’t seen you in ages, how’s work going?
- Haven’t seen you in ages! Let’s grab a coffee.
- Hey, haven’t seen you in ages, are you still at the same company?
- Haven’t seen you in ages, you look great!
- It’s chaotic, haven’t seen you in ages, we need a proper catch-up.
Why it Works: It creates instant connection and shows genuine interest, making conversations feel personal and heartfelt.
3. It’s been too long
Scenario: Reconnecting with a high school friend on social media after years.
Explanation: It’s been too long and emphasizes that the time apart feels significant. It conveys warmth, nostalgia, and a desire to rebuild connection.
Examples:
- Wow, it’s been too long since our graduation!
- It’s been too long, we need to plan a meetup soon.
- It’s been too long since I last saw you; hope everything’s well.
- It’s been too long, but it feels like no time has passed at all.
- Can’t believe it’s been too long, we have so much to catch up on!
Why it Works: Highlights emotional warmth and shared history, making the reunion feel meaningful.
4. Feels like forever since we last met
Scenario: Seeing a childhood friend at a park after many years.
Explanation: Feels like forever since we last met conveys a sense of nostalgia and long passage of time. It’s friendly, heartfelt, and perfect for emotional reconnections.
Examples:
- Wow, feels like forever since we last met, how have you been?
- Feels like forever since we last met, let’s grab a coffee soon.
- Can’t believe feels like forever since we last met, you look amazing!
- Feels like forever since we last met, we have so much to talk about.
- It feels like forever since we last met, but it’s great to see you again!
Why it Works: Creates an emotional connection and highlights the significance of the reunion.
5. Where have you been hiding
Scenario: Spotting a friend who has been absent from social events.
Explanation: Where have you been hiding is playful, teasing, and friendly. It’s ideal for catching up with someone who’s been out of touch.
Examples:
- Hey! Where have you been hiding, we missed you at the party?
- Where have you been hiding, it’s been too long since the last meetup.
- Wow, where have you been hiding, you look different!
- Where have you been hiding, we need to catch up properly.
- So good to see you! Where have you been hiding all this time?
Why it Works: Adds a playful and personal touch, making the greeting memorable.
6. I haven’t seen you around lately
Scenario: Running into a colleague at work after months.
Explanation: I haven’t seen you around lately is casual and friendly, perfect for reconnecting in professional or social settings without sounding formal.
Examples:
- Hey, I haven’t seen you around lately, how’s everything going?
- I haven’t seen you around lately, did you switch teams?
- I haven’t seen you around lately, hope all is well!
- I haven’t seen you around lately, let’s have lunch soon.
- It’s been months! I haven’t seen you around lately, glad we ran into each other.
Why it Works: Smooth, casual, and natural for everyday reconnections.
7. It’s been a minute
Scenario: Messaging an old friend you haven’t talked to in a while.
Explanation: It’s been a minute and is modern, casual, and friendly. Often used in texting, social media, or casual chats.
Examples:
- Hey! It’s been a minute, how have you been?
- It’s been a minute, we need to catch up soon.
- Wow, it’s been a minute, I haven’t talked in forever!
- It’s been a minute, hope everything’s going well with you.
- Can’t believe it’s been a minute, we should meet up!
Why it Works: Short, trendy, and informal, making it perfect for millennial and Gen Z conversations.
8. Long time, no chat
Scenario: Reconnecting via messaging app with someone you haven’t spoken to in months.
Explanation: Long time, no chat is a casual, playful twist on the classic long time no see, perfect for text or online conversations.
Examples:
- Hey! Long time, no chat, how’s life treating you?
- Long time, no chat, let’s catch up soon.
- Wow, long time, no chat, what’s new with you?
- Long time, no chat, we should plan a call.
- Long time, no chat, it’s great hearing from you!
Why it Works: Casual and modern, ideal for digital-friendly communication.
9. It’s been ages since we caught up
Scenario: Meeting a friend at a café after months apart.
Explanation: It’s been ages since we caught up emphasizes the long gap while inviting conversation. It’s friendly, warm, and encourages planning a catch-up.
Examples:
- Wow, it’s been ages since we caught up, let’s have lunch.
- It’s been ages since we caught up, we have so much to talk about.
- It’s been ages since we caught up, hope everything’s good!
- Hey, it’s been ages since we caught up, how’s work?
- It’s been ages since we caught up, we need a proper meetup soon.
Why it Works: Highlights long-standing connection, making reunions feel important and valued.
10. Look who it is
Scenario: Spotting a friend at a party or event unexpectedly.
Explanation: Look who it is, it is playful and surprising. It works in informal and fun settings to express delight at seeing someone.
Examples:
- Wow, look who it is, fancy seeing you here!
- Look who it is, it’s been forever!
- Hey, look who it is, haven’t seen you in ages!
- Look who it is, this is such a nice surprise!
- Look who it is, let’s grab a drink and catch up.
Why it Works: Instantly conveys excitement and familiarity, perfect for fun, casual greetings.
11. I’ve missed you
Scenario: Running into a close friend you haven’t seen in a long time.
Explanation: I’ve missed you expresses genuine emotion and warmth, perfect for close friends, family, or loved ones. It immediately conveys care and affection.
Examples:
- Hey, I’ve missed you, it’s so good to see you!
- I’ve missed you, how have you been all this time?
- Wow, I’ve missed you, let’s catch up properly.
- I’ve missed you, haven’t seen you in forever!
- I’ve missed you, can we grab a coffee and chat?
Why it Works: Shows authentic emotion, making the greeting heartfelt and meaningful.
12. It’s been forever
Scenario: Seeing a friend you haven’t met in years.
Explanation: It’s been forever emphasizes a long time gap and adds a playful, informal tone, making the reunion feel fun and lively.
Examples:
- Wow, it’s been forever, how are you?
- It’s been forever, we need a proper catch-up.
- Can’t believe it’s been forever, time flies!
- It’s been forever, let’s grab lunch soon.
- It’s been forever, I’m so glad we ran into each other!
Why it Works: Highlights the long time apart, creating excitement and interest in reconnecting.
13. Where have you been all this time
Scenario: Meeting someone who’s been out of touch for months or years.
Explanation: Where have you been all this time is playful yet curious. It expresses surprise and genuine interest in catching up.
Examples:
- Hey! Where have you been all this time, we missed you.
- Where have you been all this time, it’s great to see you!
- Wow, where have you been all this time, so much has changed.
- Where have you been all this time, let’s grab a coffee.
- Where have you been all this time, we need to catch up soon.
Why it Works: Balances playfulness and curiosity, inviting conversation naturally.
14. I can’t believe it’s been so long
Scenario: Reuniting with a friend after several years.
Explanation: I can’t believe it’s been so long emphasizes astonishment and nostalgia, making it great for meaningful reunions.
Examples:
- Wow, I can’t believe it’s been so long, you look amazing!
- I can’t believe it’s been so long, let’s catch up properly.
- I can’t believe it’s been so long, we have so much to talk about.
- I can’t believe it’s been so long, I hope everything’s going well!
- Hey, I can’t believe it’s been so long, where has the time gone?
Why it Works: Expresses genuine surprise and emotional warmth, encouraging meaningful conversation.
15. Good to see you again
Scenario: Meeting a colleague after a short break or project.
Explanation: Good to see you again is polite, friendly, and professional. Ideal for workplaces, acquaintances, or casual social interactions.
Examples:
- Good to see you again, it’s been a busy few weeks!
- Hey, good to see you again, how’s the project going?
- Good to see you again, haven’t caught up in a while!
- Good to see you again, let’s have lunch soon.
- Good to see you again, glad we ran into each other.
Why it Works: Neutral, friendly, and professional, suitable for both casual and formal settings.
16. It’s been a while since our paths crossed
Scenario: Meeting a former colleague or friend at an event.
Explanation: It’s been a while since our paths crossed is formal yet warm, suitable for professional or semi-formal social settings.
Examples:
- Wow, it’s been a while since our paths crossed, how have you been?
- It’s been a while since our paths crossed, we should catch up.
- It’s been a while since our paths crossed, it’s great to see you.
- It’s been a while since our paths crossed, let’s grab coffee.
- It’s been a while since our paths crossed, I’ve missed our chats.
Why it Works: Combines professionalism and warmth, ideal for meaningful reconnections.
17. Long time no talk
Scenario: Messaging a friend you haven’t communicated with recently.
Explanation: Long time no talk is casual, friendly, and playful. Perfect for texts, emails, or casual messages.
Examples:
- Hey! Long time no talk, how’s everything?
- Long time no talk, we should catch up soon.
- Wow, long time no talk, it’s been ages!
- Long time no talk, hope you’re doing well.
- Long time no talk, we need to plan a call.
Why it Works: Short, modern, and informal, great for digital-friendly greetings.
18. How long has it been
Scenario: Running into someone at a social gathering unexpectedly.
Explanation: How long has it been casual and conversational. It emphasizes time passed without sounding overly formal.
Examples:
- Hey, how long has it been, you look great!
- How long has it been, let’s catch up soon.
- How long has it been, feels like forever!
- How long has it been? I hope everything’s good.
- Wow, how long has it been, so good to see you!
Why it Works: Creates instant connection while showing interest in the time apart.
19. It feels like ages
Scenario: Meeting a friend after several months apart.
Explanation: It feels like ages emphasizes a long passage of time, expressing warmth and nostalgia.
Examples:
- Wow, it feels like ages, how are you?
- It feels like ages, let’s catch up properly.
- It feels like ages, haven’t seen you in forever!
- It feels like ages, I hope everything’s going well.
- It feels like ages, so good to reconnect!
Why it Works: Evokes nostalgia and friendliness, making conversations natural and heartfelt.
20. We haven’t met in forever
Scenario: Spotting an old friend at a community event.
Explanation: We haven’t met in forever. It is playful, casual, and expresses genuine excitement about reconnecting.
Examples:
- Hey! We haven’t met in forever, how have you been?
- We haven’t met in forever, let’s grab coffee.
- We haven’t met in forever, hope life’s treating you well!
- Wow, we haven’t met in forever, time flies!
- We haven’t met in forever, glad to see you again!
Why it Works: Combines playfulness with friendliness, making greetings fun and memorable.
21. It’s been way too long
Scenario: Meeting a friend you lost touch with over the years.
Explanation: It’s been way too long to emphasize a long gap, adding enthusiasm and energy to the greeting.
Examples:
- Wow, it’s been way too long, let’s catch up soon!
- It’s been way too long, you look great!
- It’s been way too long, we have so much to talk about.
- Hey, it’s been way too long, how’s everything?
- It’s been way too long, glad we ran into each other!
Why it Works: Expresses enthusiasm and importance of reconnection, making greetings feel lively.
22. So nice to see you after so long
Scenario: Reconnecting with a neighbor you haven’t seen in months.
Explanation: So nice to see you after so long. It is polite, warm, and expressive. It works well for friends, acquaintances, and semi-formal situations.
Examples:
- Hey, so nice to see you after so long, how’s everything?
- So nice to see you after so long, we should catch up.
- So nice to see you after so long, I hope life’s treating you well.
- Wow, so nice to see you after so long, it’s great running into you!
- So nice to see you after so long, let’s grab coffee soon.
Why it Works: Shows genuine warmth and friendliness, perfect for meaningful reconnections.
23. Haven’t caught up in a while
Scenario: Messaging a friend or colleague after months without contact.
Explanation: Haven’t caught up in a while is casual and invites conversation. Ideal for friendly or professional reconnections.
Examples:
- Hey! Haven’t caught up in a while, how’s everything going?
- Haven’t caught up in a while, we should meet soon.
- Haven’t caught up in a while, hope life’s treating you well.
- Wow, haven’t caught up in a while, we have so much to discuss.
- Haven’t caught up in a while, let’s schedule a call.
Why it Works: Invites engagement naturally, making reconnections smooth and casual.
24. It’s been a long while
Scenario: Running into a friend at a festival after a long time.
Explanation: It’s been a long while emphasizes the extended gap and expresses warmth in casual settings.
Examples:
- Wow, it’s been a long while, how have you been?
- It’s been a long while, let’s catch up soon.
- It’s been a long while, I hope everything’s going great!
- It’s been a long while, it’s so good to see you!
- Hey, it’s been a long while, we should grab coffee.
Why it Works: Simple, friendly, and effective for acknowledging time passed.
25. I didn’t expect to see you here
Scenario: Running into a friend at an unexpected location.
Explanation: I didn’t expect to see you here. It is playful, spontaneous, and perfect for surprise encounters.
Examples:
- Wow, I didn’t expect to see you here, what a surprise!
- I didn’t expect to see you here, how have you been?
- I didn’t expect to see you here, it’s been ages!
- Hey, I didn’t expect to see you here, want to grab coffee?
- I didn’t expect to see you here, so great to run into you!
Why it Works: Expresses surprise and excitement, making casual encounters memorable and engaging.
Conclusion:
Seeing someone after a long time can feel awkward, but long time no see moments are an opportunity to reconnect.
This guide provided friendly greetings, playful phrases, and conversation starters to help you reconnect smoothly with friends, family, or colleagues. Use these tips to make every reunion natural, warm, and memorable.
Save or share this guide so you’re always ready to turn a simple hello into a meaningful conversation.
FAQs ABOUT “LONG TIME NO SEE”
1. What are some casual alternatives to long time no see?
You can say It’s been a while, Haven’t seen you in ages, It’s been too long, or We haven’t met in forever to keep it friendly and relaxed.
2. How can I politely greet someone I haven’t seen in a long time?
Use phrases like Good to see you again, I’m glad we’re reconnecting, or It’s been a while since we last met for a polite and warm tone.
3. What is a fancy way to say long time no see?
It’s a pleasure to see you after such a long interval or I’m delighted our paths have crossed again for a sophisticated touch.
4. How do I say long time no see in a formal setting?
It has been some time since our last meeting or I am pleased to reconnect with you after an extended period for professional situations.
5. What’s a fun or casual way to say long time no see in texts?
You can use Long time no chat, It’s been a minute, or Feels like forever since we last talked to sound friendly and modern.
