The phrase "long time, no hear" is a casual way to greet someone you haven't been in touch with for a while. It's like saying, "It's been a long time since we last talked." This phrase is often used during catch-up sessions between friends, family, or colleagues. Whether it's a long-lost friend or a relative you haven't spoken to in ages, the saying sets the stage for reconnecting.
In short:
When you say, "long time no hear," you're pointing out that it's been a long time since you last communicated with someone. You usually say this when you bump into an old friend or when you're chatting after not speaking for a while. For example, if a college buddy calls you out of the blue, you might answer with, "Long time no hear! How have you been?"
Let's look at its main meanings and how it's used:
The exact roots of "long time, no hear" aren't fully known, but it's believed to be a variation of the more commonly used "long time, no see." The latter has been around since at least the early 20th century and is thought to be a literal translation of a Native American or Chinese expression. It has the same casual, catch-up vibe and acknowledges the time elapsed since the last interaction.
"Hey, long time no hear, buddy. Well, I graduated from high school, then studied at Dartmouth and received my doctorate in economics from Yale."
- New York Magazine, 21 Mar 1977
To give you a clear idea of how to use this phrase, let's look at some examples from different situations:
This phrase also pops up in movies, TV shows, and even songs, usually when characters are reconnecting.
Let's look at some examples:
If you’re looking for different ways to express the same feeling, here are some options:
"Long time, no hear" is a casual expression used to acknowledge that you haven't been in contact with someone for a while. It's often said when reconnecting.
You can use this phrase when you're catching up with someone you haven't spoken to in a long time. For example: "Hey, long time, no hear! What's new with you?"
You can use "long time, no hear" in both text messages and face-to-face conversations. It's pretty versatile and fits in multiple types of communication.
While it might be more common among younger people who text a lot, it's a phrase that people of all ages can use to reconnect with someone.
The phrase is generally considered casual. While not impolite, it may not be suitable for very formal settings.
It's best to avoid using "long time, no hear" in professional emails unless you have a casual relationship with the person you're emailing.
Generally, yes. Saying "long time, no hear" usually shows a desire to catch up or restart a relationship.
Literally, the phrase means that it's been a long time since you've heard from someone. But it's usually used in a more figurative sense to point out that you've lost touch.
Yes, sometimes people use "long time, no hear" sarcastically when they feel they've been ignored or neglected.
Yes, the phrase is commonly used in movies and TV shows, often to set up a scene where characters are reuniting or catching up.
The idiom "long time, no hear" is a simple yet effective way to acknowledge the passage of time between interactions with someone. It's mostly casual, so think about the setting before using it. It can express a genuine desire to reconnect, but context is key.
Here's a quick recap:
