Korean · Real conversations
How to respond to “오랜만이에요!” in Korean
A reunion gives you a chance to acknowledge the gap and reconnect without explaining your entire absence.
What you might hear
오랜만이에요!oraenmanieyo!
Long time no see!
Choose a reply that fits
그러게요, 정말 오랜만이에요.geureogeyo, jeongmal oraenmanieyo.
It really has been a while.
Acknowledge that time has passed.
다시 만나서 정말 반가워요.dasi mannaseo jeongmal bangawoyo.
It's great to see you.
Show that you are happy to reconnect.
꽤 바빴어요.kkwae bappasseoyo.
I've been quite busy.
Give a short explanation if you want to.
조만간 만나서 이야기해요.jomangan mannaseo iyagihaeyo.
Let's catch up soon.
Suggest a later conversation when you cannot stay.
Two short exchanges
An unexpected reunion
오랜만이에요!oraenmanieyo!
Long time no see!
그러게요, 정말 오랜만이에요.geureogeyo, jeongmal oraenmanieyo.
It really has been a while.
Seeing an old acquaintance
정말 오랜만이에요!jeongmal oraenmanieyo!
It's been a while!
다시 만나서 정말 반가워요.dasi mannaseo jeongmal bangawoyo.
It's great to see you.
Your turn
Give a brief update about why you have not been around.
Reveal a sample reply
꽤 바빴어요.kkwae bappasseoyo.
I've been quite busy.
This response guide in other languages
A note on speaking Korean
Most examples use polite 해요-style endings. A more formal ending may appear when addressing staff or making a careful request. Do not switch to casual speech with a stranger simply because the English translation sounds friendly.
Hangul is the main text; romanization helps you read along. Korean often leaves a clear subject unstated. Particles and endings carry information that English may express with separate words.
