🇯🇵 Japanese phrases

How to Say "Long time no see" in Japanese

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
お久しぶりです
"Long time no see" in Japanese · say it like oh-hee-kah-shee-boo-ree desu

The most natural way to say "Long time no see" in Japanese is お久しぶりです. Tap the speaker above to hear it, then say it back out loud. That is the fastest way to make it stick.

Other ways to say it

久しぶり
A more casual way to say it among friends
お久しぶりですね
A slightly more formal version, often used in polite conversation

When to use it

Use this phrase when you meet someone you haven't seen in a long time. It shows warmth and friendliness. It's appropriate for both casual and formal situations, depending on the context.

Say it out loud, get corrected

Reading it is not the same as saying it. Practice "Long time no see" and thousands more with an AI coach that listens.

Examples in Japanese

JapaneseEnglish
お久しぶりです、元気でしたか?It's been a while, how have you been?
Common mistake
Some learners might use a direct translation like '長い間見なかった' which sounds unnatural in Japanese.

The fastest way to remember it

Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear お久しぶりです, repeat it a few times, then use it in a real sentence. SPAIKING lets you practice exactly that, speaking Japanese with a coach that corrects your pronunciation in real time. You can start with two free conversations.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use this phrase in a business setting?

Yes, but it's better to use the more formal version 'お久しぶりです' in professional contexts.

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