오랜만이에요: long time no see
It has been a long time; long time no see
Try it freePractice this Korean dialogueShadow each line, then continue with the related scenario practice.Open →Explanation
오랜만이에요 is a polite reunion greeting used when you have not seen someone for a meaningful amount of time.
오랜만입니다 is more formal, while 오랜만이야 is casual. The amount of time that counts as “long” depends on the relationship and normal frequency of contact.
A natural follow-up is 잘 지냈어요? meaning “Have you been well?” In casual speech, say 잘 지냈어?
You can still begin with 안녕하세요, especially in polite relationships: 안녕하세요. 정말 오랜만이에요.
Examples
안녕하세요. 정말 오랜만이에요.
annyeonghaseyo. jeongmal oraenmanieyo.
Hello. It has really been a long time.
오랜만이에요! 잘 지냈어요?
oraenmanieyo! jal jinaesseoyo?
Long time no see! Have you been well?
야, 오랜만이야!
ya, oraenmaniya!
Hey, long time no see!
Mini dialogue
민지 씨, 오랜만이에요!
Minji, long time no see!
그러게요. 잘 지냈어요?
I know. Have you been well?
네, 잘 지냈어요.
Yes, I have been well.
Common mistakes
- Do not use 오랜만이에요 with someone you met yesterday unless you are joking.
- Do not use 오랜만이야 with a person who still expects polite speech.
How to practice
- Match 이에요, 입니다, or 이야 to the relationship and setting.
- Follow with 잘 지냈어요? to continue naturally.
- Use 안녕하세요 first when the relationship remains polite or formal.
Check yourself
Question 1 of 1
What is a natural follow-up to 오랜만이에요?
Connected learning paths
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