Synonyms
ByPhrasePioneer
“Long time no see” is a common expression used to greet someone you haven’t seen in a while.
While it’s a universally understood phrase, you might want to express this sentiment differently, either to add variety to your speech, to adapt to different levels of formality, or simply to match the context of your relationship with the person.
Below you’ll find 25 alternative ways to say “Long time no see,” each presented with an example sentence and an explanation to highlight their best usage.
Casual Greetings
- It’s been ages
- Example:“Wow, it’s been ages since we last got together!”
- Explanation:A casual expression that conveys a significant passage of time since the last meeting.
- It’s been forever
- Example:“It’s been forever! How have you been holding up?”
- Explanation:Similar to “It’s been ages,” this hyperbolic phrase emphasizes that it feels like a very long time since the last interaction.
- Haven’t seen you in so long
- Example:“I haven’t seen you in so long – you look fantastic!”
- Explanation:A straightforward way of saying that a lot of time has passed since your last meeting.
- Where have you been hiding?
- Example:“Where have you been hiding? I’ve missed our lunches together.”
- Explanation:Asked in a playful tone, this expression shows that you have noticed and felt their absence.
- We lost touch
- Example:“We lost touch after college, great to catch up again!”
- Explanation:Indicates that there was a loss of communication for some period, and acknowledges the joy of reconnection.
Familiar Reunions
- Good to see you after so long
- Example:“Good to see you after so long! Let’s not wait another five years for the next catch-up.”
- Explanation:Shows pleasure at seeing the person again and a desire to meet more frequently.
- Feels like a lifetime ago
- Example:“Last time we met feels like a lifetime ago! How’s life treating you?”
- Explanation:A dramatic way of highlighting a significant period of time has passed since you last saw each other.
- Been too long
- Example:“It’s been too long, buddy. We’ve got to get together more often.”
- Explanation:A casual remark that connotes that the time apart was longer than preferred.
- How’s it been since we last met?
- Example:“How’s it been since we last met? You’ve been on quite the adventure, I hear.”
- Explanation:This question form implies that considerable time has passed and shows interest in the person’s experiences since then.
- Finally, we reconnect
- Example:“Finally, we reconnect! Coffee next week, my treat.”
- Explanation:Emphasizes the ending of a period apart and makes an immediate offer to spend time together.
Warm Welcomes
- A welcome sight
- Example:“You’re a welcome sight, it’s not been the same without you around.”
- Explanation:Expresses happiness upon seeing the person and implicitly notes that it’s been quite some time.
- Missed seeing you around
- Example:“Missed seeing you around the office. Welcome back!”
- Explanation:Indicates that the person’s presence was missed and joyfully acknowledges their return.
- Look who’s back
- Example:“Look who’s back! How was life in the big city?”
- Explanation:A friendly and somewhat teasing way to greet someone who has returned after an absence.
- Been a minute
- Example:“Wow, it’s been a minute since our last beach trip together, hasn’t it?”
- Explanation:‘Been a minute’ is a colloquial way of saying it’s been a long while.
- So much to catch up on
- Example:“You’re here! We have so much to catch up on.”
- Explanation:Communicates eagerness to exchange stories and updates after not seeing each other for some time.
Formal Re-acquaintance
- It’s a pleasure to see you again
- Example:“It’s a pleasure to see you again, Mr. Thompson. Your presence was missed at the last few meetings.”
- Explanation:A polite, formal acknowledgment of seeing someone after a period.
- Quite some time since our paths last crossed
- Example:“It’s been quite some time since our paths last crossed. Your guidance has always been insightful.”
- Explanation:Suggests time has passed in a respectful manner, with an appreciation for past interactions.
- The time apart has been noticeable
- Example:“Your expertise is invaluable, and the time apart has been noticeable to the team.”
- Explanation:Use this phrase to express that the person’s absence has had a significant impact.
- Since we last convened
- Example:“Since we last convened, many changes have taken place that we need to discuss.”
- Explanation:A formal way to reference the time since an official gathering or meeting.
- After such a lengthy interlude
- Example:“After such a lengthy interlude, it’s refreshing to have you join us once more.”
- Explanation:An elegant way to note that much time has passed and express that it’s welcome to be together again.
Enthusiastic Encounters
- Your return is much celebrated
- Example:“Your return is much celebrated! You’ve been dearly missed.”
- Explanation:Demonstrates hearty enthusiasm for the person’s return and implies it’s been a significant period since the last encounter.
- Reunion at last
- Example:“Our reunion at last! I’ve heard so much about your achievements.”
- Explanation:Expresses excitement and relief at the opportunity to see someone again after a long time.
- We’re overdue for this meet-up
- Example:“We’re overdue for this meet-up! I can’t believe how quickly the years have gone by.”
- Explanation:Suggests that meeting up again should have happened sooner, with surprise at how much time has elapsed.
- Time has flown since our last meeting
- Example:“Time has flown since our last meeting. Have you completed your world travels already?”
- Explanation:A reflective remark on the passage of time and an inquiry into the completion of something known to take a while.
- Elated to have you back
- Example:“Elated to have you back in our midst after your sabbatical.”
- Explanation:Conveys a joyful emotion at the person’s return and indicates a period has been spent away.
Each of these expressions can lend a different tone to your greeting, allowing you to express the sentiment of “Long time no see” in a manner that aligns with the nature of your meeting and your relationship with the person.
Whether you choose a casual, warm, formal, or enthusiastic variation, these alternatives add richness to your language and help you forge reconnections with a personal touch.
