15 Other Ways to Say “Long Time No See” (With Examples)

“Long time no see” is a classic, but after a significant absence, does it truly capture the excitement of a reunion? When you run into an old friend, a simple greeting might not feel like enough to bridge the gap.

This guide on other ways to say “long time no see” offers a variety of creative and heartfelt alternatives. These phrases are perfect for expressing genuine delight and bringing a fresh energy to your long-awaited reunion.

What is Another Way to Say “Long Time No See”?

1. It’s been ages
2. Long time no talk
3. Haven’t seen you in forever
4. What’s it been, a century?
5. Been a while
6. Ages since we last met
7. Where have you been hiding?
8. It’s been donkey’s years
9. Fancy seeing you here
10. Look who’s here
11. Haven’t crossed paths in eons
12. It’s been too long
13. What a surprise running into you
14. Haven’t seen you since forever
15. Long lost friend

1. It’s been ages

It’s been ages is a casual, nostalgic phrase used to say long time no see, expressing that a significant amount of time has passed since the last meeting, perfect for friendly reunions or messages. It carries a warm, surprised tone, ideal for conveying delight at seeing someone again. Using “it’s been ages” to say long time no see adds a lighthearted, relatable nuance that feels welcoming and fun. It’s great for situations where you want to say long time no see with a casual, time-emphasizing vibe that invites catching up.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose you run into an old classmate at a coffee shop after years apart. You could say: “It’s been ages, how have you been all this time?”
• Imagine you’re texting a childhood friend who just reached out. You might say: “It’s been ages, let’s grab lunch and reminisce!”

2. Long time no talk

Long time no talk is a direct, informal phrase used to say long time no see, emphasizing the lack of communication over time, suitable for casual texts or calls with friends. It carries a relaxed, friendly tone, perfect for rekindling conversations without awkwardness. Using “long time no talk” to say long time no see adds a straightforward, conversational nuance that feels natural and welcoming. It’s great for situations where you want to say long time no see with a simple, chat-focused vibe that encourages updates.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose you message a former coworker on social media after months. You could say: “Long time no talk, what’s new in your world?”
• Imagine you’re emailing a distant relative who called. You might say: “Long time no talk, how’s the family doing?”

3. Haven’t seen you in forever

Haven’t seen you in forever is an exaggerated, affectionate phrase used to say long time no see, implying an eternity has passed, ideal for joyful or surprised reunions. It carries a warm, enthusiastic tone, perfect for expressing excitement at seeing someone. Using “haven’t seen you in forever” to say long time no see adds a dramatic, heartfelt nuance that feels positive and engaging. It’s great for situations where you want to say long time no see with an over-the-top, emotional vibe that conveys delight.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose you bump into an old neighbor at the grocery store. You could say: “Haven’t seen you in forever, you look great!”
• Imagine you’re texting a high school friend after years. You might say: “Haven’t seen you in forever, let’s meet up soon!”

4. What’s it been, a century?

What’s it been, a century? is a humorous, hyperbolic phrase used to say long time no see, exaggerating the time elapsed for comedic effect, suitable for playful or casual encounters. It carries a witty, lighthearted tone, perfect for joking with friends about the gap. Using “what’s it been, a century?” to say long time no see adds a funny, exaggerated nuance that feels fun and engaging. It’s great for situations where you want to say long time no see with a humorous, over-the-top vibe that sparks laughter.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose you meet an old colleague at a conference. You could say: “What’s it been, a century? Great to see you!”
• Imagine you’re texting a cousin after a long time. You might say: “What’s it been, a century? Let’s catch up!”

5. Been a while

Been a while is a simple, understated phrase used to say long time no see, acknowledging the passage of time in a relaxed way, ideal for casual or brief encounters. It carries a neutral, friendly tone, perfect for quick reconnections without much fuss. Using “been a while” to say long time no see adds a concise, approachable nuance that feels natural and warm. It’s great for situations where you want to say long time no see with a low-key, friendly vibe that opens the door for chat.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose you run into an acquaintance at the gym. You could say: “Been a while, how’s everything going?”
• Imagine you’re texting a former classmate. You might say: “Been a while, what’s new with you?”

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6. Ages since we last met

Ages since we last met is a nostalgic, expressive phrase used to say long time no see, emphasizing the long interval with a touch of sentiment, suitable for warm or reflective reunions. It carries a heartfelt, surprised tone, perfect for conveying joy at seeing someone. Using “ages since we last met” to say long time no see adds an emotional, time-focused nuance that feels sincere and welcoming. It’s great for situations where you want to say long time no see with a nostalgic, affectionate vibe that conveys missed time.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose you meet an old teacher at a school event. You could say: “Ages since we last met, you haven’t changed!”
• Imagine you’re texting a childhood friend. You might say: “Ages since we last met, let’s plan a reunion!”

7. Where have you been hiding?

Where have you been hiding? is a teasing, curious phrase used to say long time no see, playfully implying someone has been out of sight, ideal for friendly or surprised encounters. It carries a light, inquisitive tone, perfect for sparking conversation with humor. Using “where have you been hiding?” to say long time no see adds a fun, engaging nuance that feels welcoming and playful. It’s great for situations where you want to say long time no see with a humorous, teasing vibe that invites stories.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose you bump into an old gym buddy. You could say: “Where have you been hiding? Miss our workouts!”
• Imagine you’re texting a distant friend. You might say: “Where have you been hiding? Let’s catch up!”

8. It’s been donkey’s years

It’s been donkey’s years is a quirky, British-inspired phrase used to say long time no see, exaggerating the time with a humorous animal reference, suitable for playful or informal contexts. It carries a fun, nostalgic tone, perfect for lighthearted reunions. Using “it’s been donkey’s years” to say long time no see adds a whimsical, exaggerated nuance that feels charming and engaging. It’s great for situations where you want to say long time no see with a humorous, vintage vibe that brings a smile.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose you meet an old schoolmate at a reunion. You could say: “It’s been donkey’s years, you look fantastic!”
• Imagine you’re texting a former colleague. You might say: “It’s been donkey’s years, how’s the new job?”

9. Fancy seeing you here

Fancy seeing you here is a surprised, polite phrase used to say long time no see, expressing delight at an unexpected encounter, ideal for casual or social settings. It carries a warm, British-tinged tone, perfect for joyful surprises. Using “fancy seeing you here” to say long time no see adds a charming, unexpected nuance that feels friendly and engaging. It’s great for situations where you want to say long time no see with a polite, surprised vibe that conveys excitement.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose you run into an old neighbor at the mall. You could say: “Fancy seeing you here, it’s been too long!”
• Imagine you’re texting a friend after spotting them online. You might say: “Fancy seeing you here, let’s chat now!”

10. Look who’s here

Look who’s here is a playful, excited phrase used to say long time no see, highlighting the surprise of someone’s appearance, suitable for joyful or casual reunions. It carries a warm, welcoming tone, perfect for expressing delight. Using “look who’s here” to say long time no see adds an enthusiastic, surprised nuance that feels positive and engaging. It’s great for situations where you want to say long time no see with a joyful, welcoming vibe that conveys happiness.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose you see an old friend at a party. You could say: “Look who’s here, it’s great to see you!”
• Imagine you’re texting a pal after they join a group chat. You might say: “Look who’s here, long time no see!”

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11. Haven’t crossed paths in eons

Haven’t crossed paths in eons is a dramatic, exaggerated phrase used to say long time no see, implying a vast time gap, ideal for playful or nostalgic contexts. It carries a fun, hyperbolic tone, perfect for joking with old friends. Using “haven’t crossed paths in eons” to say long time no see adds an over-the-top, timeless nuance that feels engaging and humorous. It’s great for situations where you want to say long time no see with a humorous, exaggerated vibe that emphasizes the interval.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose you meet an old colleague at an event. You could say: “Haven’t crossed paths in eons, you look great!”
• Imagine you’re texting a distant relative. You might say: “Haven’t crossed paths in eons, let’s meet up!”

12. It’s been too long

It’s been too long is a sincere, reflective phrase used to say long time no see, acknowledging the extended absence with a touch of regret, suitable for warm or emotional contexts. It carries a heartfelt, welcoming tone, perfect for expressing joy at reuniting. Using “it’s been too long” to say long time no see adds an emotional, time-focused nuance that feels genuine and warm. It’s great for situations where you want to say long time no see with a sentimental, affectionate vibe that conveys missed time.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose you run into a former mentor at a conference. You could say: “It’s been too long, let’s grab coffee!”
• Imagine you’re texting an old boss. You might say: “It’s been too long, how have you been?”

13. What a surprise running into you

What a surprise running into you is a delighted, spontaneous phrase used to say long time no see, expressing joy at an unexpected meeting, ideal for casual or social settings. It carries a surprised, positive tone, perfect for joyful encounters. Using “what a surprise running into you” to say long time no see adds an excited, serendipitous nuance that feels warm and engaging. It’s great for situations where you want to say long time no see with a surprised, happy vibe that conveys delight.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose you bump into an old coworker at the store. You could say: “What a surprise running into you, let’s catch up!”
• Imagine you’re texting a friend after spotting them. You might say: “What a surprise running into you, coffee soon?”

14. Haven’t seen you since forever

Haven’t seen you since forever is an exaggerated, affectionate phrase used to say long time no see, implying an eternity has passed, suitable for joyful or casual contexts. It carries a warm, enthusiastic tone, perfect for expressing excitement. Using “haven’t seen you since forever” to say long time no see adds a dramatic, heartfelt nuance that feels positive and engaging. It’s great for situations where you want to say long time no see with an over-the-top, emotional vibe that conveys delight.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose you meet an old friend at a party. You could say: “Haven’t seen you since forever, you look amazing!”
• Imagine you’re texting a childhood pal. You might say: “Haven’t seen you since forever, let’s reunite!”

15. Long lost friend

Long lost friend is a nostalgic, affectionate phrase used to say long time no see, referring to someone as rediscovered after a long absence, ideal for warm or emotional reunions. It carries a heartfelt, surprised tone, perfect for expressing joy. Using “long lost friend” to say long time no see adds an emotional, reunion-focused nuance that feels sincere and welcoming. It’s great for situations where you want to say long time no see with a sentimental, affectionate vibe that conveys a cherished connection.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose you run into an old school friend at a market. You could say: “Long lost friend, it’s so good to see you!”
• Imagine you’re texting a distant pal after years. You might say: “Long lost friend, let’s catch up soon!”

Conclusion

The phrase “long time no see” often feels a bit worn-out for a truly meaningful reunion. This guide on other ways to say “long time no see” has equipped you with a more varied vocabulary, allowing you to greet old friends with genuine warmth and enthusiasm. Transform routine hellos; make every reunion a delightful and memorable experience. For countless more ways to inject life into your daily interactions, visit the Other Ways To Say homepage.