French · Real conversations
How to respond to “Ça fait longtemps !” in French
A reunion gives you a chance to acknowledge the gap and reconnect without explaining your entire absence.
What you might hear
Ça fait longtemps !
Long time no see!
Choose a reply that fits
Oui, ça fait vraiment longtemps.
It really has been a while.
Acknowledge that time has passed.
Ça fait vraiment plaisir de te voir.
It's great to see you.
Show that you are happy to reconnect.
J'ai été assez occupé / occupée.
I've been quite busy.
Give a short explanation if you want to.
On se voit bientôt pour discuter ?
Let's catch up soon.
Suggest a later conversation when you cannot stay.
Two short exchanges
An unexpected reunion
Ça fait longtemps !
Long time no see!
Oui, ça fait vraiment longtemps.
It really has been a while.
Seeing an old acquaintance
Ça fait un moment !
It's been a while!
Ça fait vraiment plaisir de te voir.
It's great to see you.
Your turn
Give a brief update about why you have not been around.
Reveal a sample reply
J'ai été assez occupé / occupée.
I've been quite busy.
This response guide in other languages
A note on speaking French
Use vous with strangers, staff, and people you address formally; use tu when that relationship is established. Je voudrais and pourriez-vous can make a request considerate. The most appropriate choice depends on the person and the situation.
Keep accents and apostrophes. A familiar spoken expression may differ from its literal English translation. Read the complete line, including the pronoun and the words that connect the request.
