24 Japanese Phrases to Say “Long Time No See

It’s always such a heartwarming feeling to bump into someone you haven’t seen in ages, right?

Whether it’s a friend, family member, or coworker, saying “long time no see” in Japanese can strengthen those reconnecting moments. But there’s more than one way to say it!

Japanese offers a variety of expressions depending on the mood, formality, and closeness of the relationship.

In this article, I’ll share 24 warm, informal, and relatable Japanese phrases to say “long time no see” — perfect for your next reunion or chance encounter.

Learning these will not only boost your language skills but also deepen your cultural connection and make your conversations more natural.

Ready to add some Japanese warmth to your greetings? Let’s dive right in!

Casual Greetings to Say “Long Time No See”

Starting with easy and friendly ways to express “long time no see” in Japanese.

These phrases work great with friends, classmates, or anyone you’re comfortable chatting with informally.

Let’s explore some phrases to make your reunions feel extra cozy.

Sometimes having a handy casual phrasebook can help you practice and remember these expressions with ease.

It’s fun to mix and match based on how long it’s been since you last met.

Try these out next time you run into an old buddy!

Part 1: Casual Suggestions

1. お久しぶり (おひさしぶり, Ohisashiburi) – “Long time no see”

One of the most common and simple ways to say “long time no see” in Japanese.

It literally means “it’s been a while,” and you can use it with almost anyone you know well. Just saying “お久しぶり!” with a big smile instantly shows you’re happy to reconnect.

It’s a perfect go-to phrase for casual greetings.

Use it like a friendly “Hey, it’s been a while!”

Sometimes people add “ですね” (desu ne) to soften it, making it sound a bit more polite.

Try practicing it with friends to get comfortable — it’s a phrase you’ll find yourself using often!

2. 久しぶり (ひさしぶり, Hisashiburi) – “Long time no see” (shorter)

A shorter, more casual version of お久しぶり, dropping the polite “お” prefix.

It’s perfect among close friends or younger people. Easy to remember and quick to say, it feels natural in everyday chats.

Simply saying “久しぶり!” is enough to express the sentiment warmly.

A common mistake is using this in very formal or new relationships — better stick to the polite form there.

Example: “久しぶり！元気だった？” (Hisashiburi! Genki datta? – Long time no see! How have you been?)

It’s casual, friendly, and a great way to start catching up.

3. お元気でしたか？ (おげんきでしたか, Ogenki deshita ka?) – “Have you been well?”

This phrase literally means “Have you been well?” and is often used after “long time no see.”

It’s polite but still warm and encourages the other person to share how they’ve been.

Great for reconnecting in a slightly more formal or respectful manner.

It’s a nice way to show you care beyond just the greeting.

You might say, “お久しぶりですね。お元気でしたか？” (Ohisashiburi desu ne. Ogenki deshita ka?)

Practice combining greetings like this to keep conversations flowing naturally.

4. しばらくだね (しばらくだね, Shibaraku da ne) – “It’s been a while, huh?”

This phrase is casual and adds a friendly tone, literally meaning “It’s been a while, huh?”

It feels very natural and conversational—great for friends you haven’t seen in some time.

Easy to say and less formal, it invites a lighthearted catch-up.

Just watch out not to use it in very formal situations.

Example: “しばらくだね！元気？” (Shibaraku da ne! Genki? – It’s been a while! How are you?)

Perfect for everyday, relaxed reunions.

5. 久しぶりに会えて嬉しい (ひさしぶりにあえてうれしい, Hisashiburi ni aete ureshii) – “I’m happy to see you after a long time”

This phrase expresses happiness about reuniting after a long time.

It’s a bit longer but feels very warm and genuine, making your feelings clear.

Great for showing affection and appreciation when you meet someone special.

Try using this when you want to add more emotion to your greeting.

Pairing it with a smile makes it even more heartfelt!

Example: “久しぶりに会えて嬉しいよ！” (Hisashiburi ni aete ureshii yo! – I’m happy to see you after a long time!)

6. 会えてよかった (あえてよかった, Aete yokatta) – “Glad to see you”

A short, casual phrase meaning “Glad to see you.”

It’s simple but carries a positive vibe, perfect for friendly reunions.

Easy to use anytime you meet someone after a break.

It’s a nice complement to “long time no see” greetings.

Often used after saying “久しぶり.”

Example: “久しぶり！会えてよかった！” (Hisashiburi! Aete yokatta!)

7. 久しぶりに話せて嬉しい (ひさしぶりにはなせてうれしい, Hisashiburi ni hanasete ureshii) – “Happy to talk to you after so long”

This phrase highlights the joy of conversation after a long gap.

It’s slightly more expressive and great for catching up deeply with friends or family.

Try it when you want to emphasize how much you’ve missed talking.

It adds a personal touch to your greeting.

Example: “久しぶりに話せて嬉しいよ！” (Hisashiburi ni hanasete ureshii yo!)

Perfect for meaningful reunions.

8. ずいぶん久しぶりだね (ずいぶんひさしぶりだね, Zuibun hisashiburi da ne) – “It’s been quite a long time, huh?”

This phrase adds the nuance of “quite a long time” to the usual “long time no see.”

It’s casual and slightly more expressive, great for emphasizing the length of time since last meeting.

Use it with close friends to add a bit of humor or surprise.

Example: “ずいぶん久しぶりだね！元気だった？” (Zuibun hisashiburi da ne! Genki datta?)

It keeps the mood light and fun while acknowledging the gap.

Part 2: Polite & Formal Suggestions

9. ご無沙汰しています (ごぶさたしています, Gobusata shiteimasu) – “I haven’t contacted you in a while”

This is a very polite way to acknowledge a long period without contact.

Often used in emails, letters, or formal meetings to show respect and awareness of the time gap.

It’s perfect for business or formal acquaintances.

Example: “ご無沙汰しています。お元気ですか？” (Gobusata shiteimasu. Ogenki desu ka?)

This phrase shows humility and professionalism.

Great to use when you want to keep things respectful yet warm.

10. お久しぶりでございます (おひさしぶりでございます, Ohisashiburi de gozaimasu) – Formal “long time no see”

This is the ultra-polite and formal version of お久しぶりです.

It’s used in very respectful contexts, like with clients, elders, or formal gatherings.

While it’s less casual, it sounds very courteous and thoughtful.

Example: “お久しぶりでございます。お変わりありませんか？” (Ohisashiburi de gozaimasu. O-kawari arimasen ka?)

Use this to impress with your politeness and respect.

11. 久しぶりにお目にかかれて光栄です (ひさしぶりにおめにかかれてこうえいです, Hisashiburi ni ome ni kakarete kōei desu) – “It’s an honor to see you again after a long time”

This phrase is highly respectful and expresses honor in meeting again.

It’s best suited for business, formal events, or when meeting someone you admire.

Use it to add a touch of class to your greeting.

Example: “久しぶりにお目にかかれて光栄です。”

It’s a great phrase to add sophistication to your language.

12. ご無沙汰しておりますが、お元気でいらっしゃいますか？ (Gobusata shiteorimasu ga, ogenki de irasshaimasu ka?) – Polite inquiry after no contact

Combining a polite acknowledgment of no contact with a respectful inquiry about well-being.

This phrase is excellent for formal emails or phone conversations.

It keeps the tone professional but warm.

Use it when reconnecting with clients or senior colleagues.

Example: “ご無沙汰しておりますが、お元気でいらっしゃいますか？”

Helps maintain good relationships with a touch of kindness.

13. お変わりございませんか？ (おかわりございませんか, Okawari gozaimasen ka?) – “Has anything changed?”

A polite inquiry often used when meeting after a long time, asking if the other is well or if anything has changed.

It shows genuine interest in the person’s life.

Often paired with a greeting like “お久しぶりです.”

Example: “お久しぶりです。お変わりございませんか？”

This phrase is a nice way to show you remember and care.

14. 久しぶりにお話しできてうれしく思います (ひさしぶりにはなせてうれしくおもいます, Hisashiburi ni ohanashi dekite ureshiku omoimasu) – “I’m glad to talk with you again after a long time”

This formal phrase expresses happiness about reconnecting through conversation.

It’s perfect for polite meetings or professional reunions.

Try using it to express gratitude for the time spent together.

Example: “久しぶりにお話しできてうれしく思います。”

It adds warmth while keeping respect.

15. お久しぶりにお目にかかれてうれしいです (おひさしぶりにおめにかかれてうれしいです, Ohisashiburi ni ome ni kakarete ureshii desu) – “Happy to see you after a long time”

A polite and warm phrase to express happiness in seeing someone again.

Good for formal or semi-formal occasions.

It’s a respectful way to show you value the meeting.

Example: “お久しぶりにお目にかかれてうれしいです。”

Use it to convey sincere delight in a refined way.

16. ご無沙汰しておりますが、変わりありませんか？ (Gobusata shiteorimasu ga, kawari arimasen ka?) – “It’s been a while, is everything alright?”

This phrase politely acknowledges the lack of contact and gently checks in on the other person’s wellbeing.

It’s a thoughtful expression for formal or business relationships.

Example: “ご無沙汰しておりますが、変わりありませんか？”

Use it to maintain connections with tact and kindness.

Part 3: Very Casual / Native-like Expressions

17. まじで久しぶり！ (まじでひさしぶり, Maji de hisashiburi) – “Seriously, long time no see!”

A very casual and enthusiastic way to say “long time no see.”

“まじで” means “seriously” or “really,” adding a native, informal flavor.

Perfect with close friends or younger people.

Example: “まじで久しぶり！最近どう？” (Maji de hisashiburi! Saikin dō? – Seriously, long time no see! How have you been lately?)

Use this to show excitement and closeness.

18. 久しぶりじゃん！ (ひさしぶりじゃん, Hisashiburi jan) – “It’s been a while, huh!” (casual)

This phrase adds the casual particle “じゃん” which is common in spoken Japanese among friends.

It feels very native and relaxed, great for informal settings.

Example: “久しぶりじゃん！元気？” (Hisashiburi jan! Genki?)

It’s a fun way to reconnect casually.

19. やっと会えたね！ (やっとあえたね, Yatto aeta ne) – “Finally, we meet!”

This phrase expresses relief and happiness after waiting to meet.

It’s casual and lively, perfect for enthusiastic reunions.

Example: “やっと会えたね！久しぶり！”

Great for showing eagerness and joy.

20. 久しぶりに会えてよかった！ (ひさしぶりにあえてよかった, Hisashiburi ni aete yokatta) – “Glad to see you after a long time!”

A warm, casual way to express happiness about meeting again.

It’s friendly and affectionate.

Example: “久しぶりに会えてよかった！”

Use it to make your friend feel special.

21. ずっと会いたかった！ (ずっとあいたかった, Zutto aitakatta) – “I’ve wanted to see you for so long!”

A heartfelt expression showing how much you missed the person.

Very casual and emotional.

Example: “ずっと会いたかったよ！”

Perfect for close friends or family.

22. 久しぶりすぎて嬉しい！ (ひさしぶりすぎてうれしい, Hisashiburi sugite ureshii) – “I’m so happy it’s been so long!”

This phrase adds “すぎて” to emphasize the length of time and happiness.

It’s very casual and playful.

Example: “久しぶりすぎて嬉しい！”

Great for expressing strong excitement.

23. 久しぶりに話せて最高！ (ひさしぶりにはなせてさいこう, Hisashiburi ni hanasete saikō) – “Talking after a long time is the best!”

A casual, upbeat phrase showing joy in reconnecting through conversation.

Use it to emphasize fun and happiness.

Example: “久しぶりに話せて最高だね！”

Perfect for friendly chats.

24. また会おうね！ (またあおうね, Mata aō ne) – “Let’s meet again!”

While not literally “long time no see,” this phrase is perfect for ending a reunion on a hopeful note.

It shows your desire to keep the connection alive.

Example: “今日はありがとう！また会おうね！”

A simple, warm way to say “see you again.”

Concluding Thought

Reconnecting with someone after a long time is a special moment, and having the right words makes it even better.

These Japanese phrases offer a range of warm, casual, and polite ways to express “long time no see,” fitting any occasion or relationship.

Keep practicing, use them with confidence, and watch your connections deepen with every heartfelt greeting!