Introduction
“Long time no see” is a friendly and widely used phrase to greet someone you haven’t spoken to or met in a while. While it works well in casual conversations, it may sound too informal or conversational in professional settings such as emails, meetings, or networking messages.
Using professional alternatives can help you sound polished, respectful, and thoughtful while maintaining a warm tone. Whether reconnecting with a colleague, client, recruiter, or business partner, choosing refined wording can strengthen your communication and leave a positive impression.
What Does “Long Time No See” Mean?
“Long time no see” is an informal greeting used to acknowledge that you haven’t seen or communicated with someone for a significant period. It expresses familiarity and a friendly tone but lacks formality for professional environments.
When to Use It
This phrase and its alternatives are commonly used in:
- Reconnecting emails
- Networking messages
- Business meetings and calls
- Social messages and casual conversations
- Follow-up messages after a long gap
Example:
- “It’s been a while since we last connected.”
Is It Polite or Professional?
“Long time no see” is polite but casual. In professional communication, it’s better to use polished alternatives that sound respectful, professional, and context-appropriate especially when addressing senior colleagues, clients, or recruiters.
35+ Professional Ways to Say “Long Time No See”
1. It’s Been a While Since We Last Connected
Meaning: Acknowledges the time gap politely
Tone: Professional and friendly
“It’s been a while since we last connected—hope you’ve been well.”
Explanation: Ideal for emails and LinkedIn messages.
2. It’s Great to Reconnect After Some Time
Tone: Polished and positive
“It’s great to reconnect after some time.”
Explanation: Suitable for professional reconnections.
3. We Haven’t Spoken in Quite Some Time
Tone: Neutral and professional
“We haven’t spoken in quite some time.”
Explanation: Works well in formal correspondence.
4. It’s Been Quite a While Since We Last Spoke
Tone: Formal and reflective
“It’s been quite a while since we last spoke.”
Explanation: Suitable for corporate emails.
5. I Hope You’ve Been Well Since We Last Connected
Tone: Polite and warm
“I hope you’ve been well since we last connected.”
Explanation: Shows care and professionalism.
6. It’s Nice to Catch Up After Such a Long Time
Tone: Friendly-professional
“It’s nice to catch up after such a long time.”
Explanation: Great for meetings or calls.
7. It’s Been Some Time Since Our Last Conversation
Tone: Formal
“It’s been some time since our last conversation.”
Explanation: Works well in business writing.
8. It’s a Pleasure to Reconnect
Tone: Professional and courteous
“It’s a pleasure to reconnect.”
Explanation: Perfect for senior contacts.
9. It’s Been a While—Hope You’re Doing Well
Tone: Polished and friendly
“It’s been a while—hope you’re doing well.”
Explanation: Suitable for semi-formal emails.
10. It’s Good to Speak With You Again
Tone: Professional and positive
“It’s good to speak with you again.”
Explanation: Works well in calls and meetings.
11. I’m Glad We Could Reconnect
Tone: Warm and professional
“I’m glad we could reconnect.”
Explanation: Friendly but polished.
12. It’s Been a Long Time Since We Last Met
Tone: Neutral and formal
“It’s been a long time since we last met.”
Explanation: Suitable for in-person or virtual meetings.
13. It’s Great to Hear From You After So Long
Tone: Friendly-professional
“It’s great to hear from you after so long.”
Explanation: Perfect for reply emails.
14. It’s Been Some Time Since Our Last Interaction
Tone: Corporate and formal
“It’s been some time since our last interaction.”
Explanation: Ideal for corporate communication.
15. I Hope Everything Has Been Going Well Since We Last Connected
Tone: Polite and caring
“I hope everything has been going well since we last connected.”
Explanation: Adds a personal touch.
16. It’s Wonderful to Reconnect After a While
Tone: Warm and professional
“It’s wonderful to reconnect after a while.”
Explanation: Good for networking.
17. It’s Been Quite Some Time Since We Last Spoke
Tone: Formal
“It’s been quite some time since we last spoke.”
Explanation: Works in formal emails.
18. I’m Happy to Catch Up With You
Tone: Friendly-professional
“I’m happy to catch up with you.”
Explanation: Suitable for casual professional settings.
19. It’s Good to Reconnect After Such a Gap
Tone: Neutral
“It’s good to reconnect after such a gap.”
Explanation: Useful in professional follow-ups.
20. We’ve Not Been in Touch for Some Time
Tone: Formal
“We’ve not been in touch for some time.”
Explanation: Corporate-friendly wording.
21. It’s Great to Resume Our Conversation
Tone: Professional
“It’s great to resume our conversation.”
Explanation: Useful in ongoing projects.
22. It’s Been a While Since Our Last Exchange
Tone: Corporate
“It’s been a while since our last exchange.”
Explanation: Perfect for email threads.
23. It’s Nice to Reconnect With You Again
Tone: Friendly and professional
“It’s nice to reconnect with you again.”
Explanation: Balanced tone.
24. I’m Glad We Could Catch Up
Tone: Warm
“I’m glad we could catch up.”
Explanation: Good for calls or meetings.
25. It’s Good to Speak With You After Such a Long Time
Tone: Professional
“It’s good to speak with you after such a long time.”
Explanation: Polished and respectful.
26. It’s Been a While Since Our Last Discussion
Tone: Corporate
“It’s been a while since our last discussion.”
Explanation: Suitable for business contexts.
27. It’s Great to Reconnect With You
Tone: Professional and concise
“It’s great to reconnect with you.”
Explanation: Universal professional phrase.
28. I Hope You’ve Been Doing Well Since We Last Spoke
Tone: Polite and caring
“I hope you’ve been doing well since we last spoke.”
Explanation: Adds warmth to emails.
29. It’s Nice to Hear From You After Some Time
Tone: Friendly-professional
“It’s nice to hear from you after some time.”
Explanation: Great for replies.
30. It’s Been Quite a Gap Since Our Last Contact
Tone: Formal
“It’s been quite a gap since our last contact.”
Explanation: Suitable for corporate tone.
31. I’m Pleased to Reconnect With You
Tone: Formal and courteous
“I’m pleased to reconnect with you.”
Explanation: Ideal for senior professionals.
32. It’s Great to Catch Up With You Again
Tone: Friendly-professional
“It’s great to catch up with you again.”
Explanation: Works well in informal business settings.
33. It’s Been a While Since We Last Corresponded
Tone: Formal
“It’s been a while since we last corresponded.”
Explanation: Perfect for written communication.
34. I’m Happy to Reconnect After Some Time
Tone: Warm and professional
“I’m happy to reconnect after some time.”
Explanation: Friendly yet polished.
35. It’s Good to Resume Our Connection
Tone: Professional
“It’s good to resume our connection.”
Explanation: Suitable for networking.
36. It’s Been a While Since We Last Engaged
Tone: Corporate
“It’s been a while since we last engaged.”
Explanation: Useful in formal business communication.
Conclusion
Using professional alternatives to “long time no see” can make your emails and conversations sound more polished, respectful, and thoughtful. Whether reconnecting with colleagues, clients, or professional contacts, phrases like it’s been a while since we last connected or it’s great to reconnect after some time help you maintain professionalism while expressing warmth. Choosing the right wording strengthens relationships and leaves a positive impression in both formal and casual professional settings.
