A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Long time no see" in Spanish
Learn how to say 'long time no see' in Spanish with this simple, natural phrase perfect for reconnecting with friends and acquaintances.
¡Cuánto tiempo sin vernos!
KWAN-toh TYEM-poh seen BER-nohsneutral
Spanish TTS · 0:01
Use this when you run into a friend you haven't seen in a few months or years. It works perfectly at a coffee shop, a party, or even a chance encounter on the street. It conveys a warm, friendly surprise at the reunion.
Alternatives
- ¡Tanto tiempo!a shorter, punchier version often used in casual settings.
- Hace mucho que no nos vemos.a more descriptive, literal way to state that time has passed.
- ¡Qué milagro!a playful, idiomatic way to say 'what a miracle' to see them.
Ways to get it wrong
Literal translation
Do not translate 'long time no see' word-for-word, as 'largo tiempo no ver' makes no sense to a native speaker.
The 'b' and 'v' sound
In Spanish, the 'v' in 'vernos' sounds almost exactly like a 'b', so pronounce it with your lips touching.
A small cultural note
In many Latin American cultures, this phrase is often followed immediately by a question about how the person has been or a suggestion to grab a coffee soon.
Frequently asked
Is it rude to say this to a stranger?
Yes, it implies you have a history with the person, so avoid using it with someone you are meeting for the first time. Stick to standard greetings like 'mucho gusto' if you have never met before.
How do I respond if someone says this to me?
You can simply reply with '¡Sí, es verdad!' or '¡Lo sé, ha pasado mucho tiempo!' followed by a quick update on your life. It is a conversational opener, so keep your response brief and positive.
Can I use this in a professional email?
It is generally too informal for a formal business letter, but it works well for a friendly follow-up email to a former colleague. Use your judgment based on how close your professional relationship is.
What's the Spanish equivalent to "long time no see"?
The most common and direct equivalent is "¡Cuánto tiempo!" which literally means "How much time!".
What do you say in Spanish when you haven't seen someone in a long time?
You can say "¡Cuánto tiempo sin verte!" which translates to "How long without seeing you!".
What is another way to say "long time no see"?
Another common phrase is "¡Tanto tiempo!" which means "So much time!".
What does "long time no see" mean in Spanish?
It means you haven't seen someone for a significant period and are expressing surprise or recognition of that fact.
