"Konbanwa, Hisashiburi!" The Ultimate Guide to "Long Time No See" in Japanese

Introduction

"Japanese for long time no see" is an essential phrase for anyone who wants to communicate effectively in Japanese. Whether you're greeting an old friend or catching up with a business colleague, knowing how to say "long time no see" shows that you care and that you're happy to see them again.

In this blog post, we will provide you with everything you need to know about "Japanese for long time no see", including the different ways to say it, the cultural context behind the phrase, and some tips for using it in conversation.

The Different Ways to Say "Long Time No See" in Japanese

There are a few different ways to say "long time no see" in Japanese. The most common phrase is "hisashiburi desu ne". This phrase can be used in both formal and informal settings.

Formal	Informal
hisashiburi desu ne	hisashiburi
o-hisashiburi desu	o-hisashiburi

Another way to say "long time no see" is "o-aida". This phrase is more formal than "hisashiburi desu ne" and is typically used in business settings.

Formal	Informal
o-aida	--
o-aida desu	--

The Cultural Context of "Long Time No See"

In Japan, it is considered to be rude to not greet someone you know with the appropriate phrase. This is especially true for people you have not seen in a long time. Saying "long time no see" shows that you are aware of the time that has passed since you last saw the person and that you are happy to see them again.

Tips for Using "Long Time No See" in Conversation

When using "long time no see" in conversation, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Use the appropriate level of formality. If you are speaking to someone in a formal setting, use the formal phrase "hisashiburi desu ne". If you are speaking to someone in an informal setting, you can use the informal phrase "hisashiburi".

Be sincere. When you say "long time no see", be sure to mean it. Saying it in a sarcastic or insincere way can come across as rude.

Follow up with a question. After you say "long time no see", follow up with a question to show that you are interested in what the person has been up to. For example, you could ask, "How have you been?" or "What have you been up to?"

Conclusion

"Japanese for long time no see" is an essential phrase for anyone who wants to communicate effectively in Japanese. By following the tips in this blog post, you can ensure that you use this phrase correctly and appropriately in conversation.

Success Stories

A Japanese business executive was able to close a major deal with a foreign company by using the phrase "hisashiburi desu ne" to show that he was aware of the time that had passed since they last met.

A Japanese student was able to make friends with a group of international students by using the phrase "hisashiburi" to break the ice.

A Japanese tourist was able to get help from a local resident by using the phrase "o-aida" to show that he was aware of the time that had passed since they last met.

Tables

Formal	Informal	English
hisashiburi desu ne	hisashiburi	long time no see
o-hisashiburi desu	o-hisashiburi	long time no see
o-aida	--	long time no see

Tip	Explanation
Use the appropriate level of formality.	If you are speaking to someone in a formal setting, use the formal phrase "hisashiburi desu ne". If you are speaking to someone in an informal setting, you can use the informal phrase "hisashiburi".
Be sincere.	When you say "long time no see", be sure to mean it. Saying it in a sarcastic or insincere way can come across as rude.
Follow up with a question.	After you say "long time no see", follow up with a question to show that you are interested in what the person has been up to. For example, you could ask, "How have you been?" or "What have you been up to?"

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using the wrong level of formality. Using the formal phrase "hisashiburi desu ne" in an informal setting can come across as stiff and unnatural. Conversely, using the informal phrase "hisashiburi" in a formal setting can come across as disrespectful.

Being insincere. Saying "long time no see" in a sarcastic or insincere way can come across as rude. Be sure to mean it when you say it.

Not following up with a question. After you say "long time no see", follow up with a question to show that you are interested in what the person has been up to. For example, you could ask, "How have you been?" or "What have you been up to?"

"Konbanwa, Hisashiburi!" The Ultimate Guide to "Long Time No See" in Japanese