Korean Dictionary
How to say "It's been a while" in Korean
“It's been a while” in Korean is 오래 됐네요 (pronounced "Orae dwaennneyo").
오래 됐네요
Orae dwaennneyo
Usage & Context
Acknowledging that significant time has passed since you last met or spoke. Similar to 오랜만이에요 but with a slightly more contemplative tone. Often used when realizing time has slipped by, sometimes with a note of nostalgia or mild apology for not being in touch.
Example Sentence
연락이 오래 됐네요. 잘 지냈어요?
It's been a while since we were in touch. Have you been well?
How to use 오래 됐네요 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “It's been a while” is 오래 됐네요, romanized as Orae dwaennneyo.
Usage tip
Check the politeness level before using this word. Korean greetings often change depending on age, relationship, and setting.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 오래 됐네요.
Pronunciation Guide
오래 (Orae) sounds like 'oh-rae', with 'oh' as in 'go' and 'rae' like 'ray'. 됐네요 (dwaennneyo) sounds like 'dwaen-ne-yo'. 'Dwaen' is like 'dwen' in 'Gwen', 'ne' like 'neh' in 'neh-neh', and 'yo' like in 'yogurt'. The 'ㅆ' in 됐 combines with '네' to create a double 'n' sound.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
오래 되었습니다
Orae doe-eotseumnida
A more formal and declarative statement, often used in writing or very formal speech.
Casual (반말)
오래 됐네
Orae dwaenne
Used with close friends, family, or people younger than you.
More Example Sentences
Revisiting a favorite restaurant and noting its consistency.
이 식당에 온 지 오래 됐네요. 맛은 여전하네요!
It's been a while since I came to this restaurant. The taste is still the same!
Realizing you've lost touch with someone and deciding to reconnect.
그 친구랑 연락 안 한 지 오래 됐네요. 한번 연락해봐야겠어요.
It's been a while since I contacted that friend. I should try to get in touch.
Commenting on an old item of clothing that has lasted.
이 옷 산 지 오래 됐네요. 아직도 잘 맞아요.
It's been a while since I bought these clothes. They still fit well.
Cultural Context
While similar to '오랜만이에요' (Oraenmanieyo - It's been a long time), '오래 됐네요' (Orae dwaennneyo) carries a slightly different nuance. It's more of an observation or a realization that a significant amount of time has passed, often with a contemplative or nostalgic tone. It can express a sense of wonder at how quickly time has flown or a mild regret for not having done something sooner. It's less of a direct greeting and more of a reflective comment.
Editorial note
We check greetings like 오래 됐네요 for politeness and timing, since Korean greetings change with relationship, age, and setting.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
오래 기다렸어요.
I've waited a long time.
오래 걸렸네요.
It took a long time.
오래 살았네요.
You've lived a long time. (often said to elders, or jokingly)
Related Expressions
오랜만이에요
Oraenmanieyo
It's been a long time (common greeting)
시간이 참 빠르네요
Sigani cham ppareuneyo
Time flies so fast (similar sentiment)
옛날 생각 나네요
Yennal saenggak naneyo
It reminds me of old times (nostalgic)
그동안 어떻게 지냈어요?
Geudongan eotteoke jinaesseoyo?
How have you been all this time? (follow-up question)
More Greetings Words
Master Korean with AI-Powered Learning
Practice It's been a while and 10,000+ words with native pronunciation and AI conversation.
