What’s going on?

[0014] Long time no see

🎲 Nice to see you
English Idioms
All Idioms

Explanation

  • An expression used when meeting someone you haven't seen for a significant period.
  • Acknowledges the gap in time since the last encounter.

Origin

  • Widely believed to be a pidgin English phrase, possibly originating from Chinese Pidgin English (long time no see translating a similar Chinese structure) or Native American pidgin.
  • Entered mainstream English in the late 19th or early 20th century.
  • Despite its grammatically unusual structure, it became a fixed, standard idiom.

Synonyms & Related Expressions

  • It's been a while!
  • Haven't seen you in ages! / Haven't seen you for ages!
  • It's been too long!
  • Look who it is! (Expresses surprise at seeing someone)
  • Fancy seeing you here! (Expresses surprise at the location of meeting)

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

  • Blast from the past! (Seeing someone reminds you strongly of the past)
  • Look what the cat dragged in! (Playful, slightly cheeky, used with friends)

Milder/Standard:

  • It's been such a long time.
  • What a nice surprise to see you.

Situational Appropriateness

  • Informal to semi-formal.
  • Perfect for unexpected encounters with people from your past or planned reunions after a long interval.
  • Its slightly ungrammatical nature makes it feel inherently informal, though it's widely accepted.

Misunderstanding Warnings

  • Some learners might be confused by the non-standard grammar. Explain it's a fixed idiom.
  • Ensure they understand it's *only* used when a significant amount of time (weeks, months, years) has passed, not just a few days.

Examples

  • Sarah! Wow, long time no see! How have you been?
  • Well, hello stranger! Long time no see.

Dialogue

Anna: Ben? Is that you? Long time no see!

Ben: Anna! Wow! Yeah, it must be years. How have you been?

Anna: I'm doing great! Still working at the library. What about you?

Ben: I moved back to town last month!

Social Media Examples

  • Facebook comment on an old friend's post: OMG [Name]! Long time no see on here! Hope you're doing well!
  • Caption on a photo with a friend you reconnected with: Long time no see! So good catching up with @[Friend's Handle] today.
  • Email subject: Long time no see Checking in!

Response Patterns

  • I know! It's been ages!
  • Great to see you too!
  • Often followed immediately by How have you been? or similar catch-up questions.

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

After saying Long time no see:

  • Almost always followed by How have you been? or What have you been up to?.
  • Express pleasure at seeing them (It's great to see you!).

After hearing Long time no see:

  • Agree (I know, it really has been a while!).
  • Reciprocate the pleasure (Good to see you too!).
  • Answer the expected follow-up question (I've been good, busy with...).

Conversation Starter

  • Yes.
  • Specifically used to restart a conversation/relationship after a long break. It *is* the conversation starter for that specific context.

Intonation

  • Usually said with warmth, surprise, and pleasure.
  • Often emphasizes LONG time. LONG time no SEE!
  • Can have an exclamation-like falling intonation at the end.

Generation Differences

  • Understood and used by all generations.

Regional Variations

  • Universal in all English-speaking regions.
What’s going on?
🎲 Nice to see you