Korean Dictionary
How to say "Long time no see" in Korean
“Long time no see” in Korean is 오랜만이에요 (pronounced "Oraenmaieeyo").
오랜만이에요
Oraenmaieeyo
Usage & Context
Used when reuniting with someone after a long absence. The casual version is 오랜만이야 for close friends. It's often followed by 어떻게 지냈어요? (How have you been?). This phrase conveys warmth and genuine happiness at reconnecting.
Example Sentence
어머, 오랜만이에요! 어떻게 지냈어요?
Oh my, long time no see! How have you been?
How to use 오랜만이에요 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Long time no see” is 오랜만이에요, romanized as Oraenmaieeyo.
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 오랜만이에요.
Pronunciation Guide
오랜만이에요 (Oraenmaieeyo) is pronounced 'oh-raen-mah-ee-eh-yo'. The '만이에요' part flows together smoothly, almost like 'man-ee-eh-yo'.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
오랜만에 뵙습니다
Oraenmane boepseumnida
A very formal and respectful way to say 'It's been a long time since I've seen you', using the honorific verb '뵙다' (boepda).
Casual (반말)
오랜만이야
Oraenmaniya
Used with close friends, family, or people younger than you.
More Example Sentences
Two old friends bumping into each other unexpectedly.
어머, 지수야! 오랜만이야! 어떻게 지냈어?
Oh my, Jisoo! Long time no see! How have you been?
A former colleague greeting a senior manager at a company event.
김과장님, 오랜만이에요! 그동안 잘 지내셨어요?
Manager Kim, long time no see! Have you been well during that time?
A niece greeting her aunt whom she hasn't seen in a while.
이모, 오랜만이에요! 얼굴 보기 힘드네요.
Aunt, long time no see! It's hard to see your face (meaning, it's hard to meet you).
Cultural Context
'오랜만이에요' is a warm and common greeting used when reuniting with someone after any period of absence, from a few weeks to several years. It's almost always followed by a question about how the other person has been, such as '어떻게 지냈어요?' (Eotteoke jinaesseoyo? - How have you been?). This phrase conveys genuine pleasure in reconnecting and is a staple in Korean social interactions.
Editorial note
We check greetings like 오랜만이에요 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
오랜만에 만나네요.
We're meeting after a long time.
오랜만에 연락했어요.
I contacted you after a long time.
오랜만에 봐서 반가워요.
It's nice to see you after a long time.
Related Expressions
어떻게 지냈어요?
Eotteoke jinaesseoyo?
How have you been?
그동안 잘 지내셨어요?
Geudongan jal jinaesyeosseoyo?
Have you been well during that time? (more polite)
반가워요
Bangawoyo
Nice to meet you / Nice to see you (again)
다음에 또 만나요
Daeume tto mannayo
Let's meet again next time.
More Greetings Words
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