오랜 시간
oraen sigan
In Korean, the phrase "long time" is expressed as 오랜 시간 (oraen sigan).
Used as part of greeting of two people who have not been in contact for a long time.
Meaning: used as part of greeting of two people who have not been in contact for a long time (intj)
Which one should you use?
오랜만이에요 is a polite and formal way to greet someone you haven't seen in a while, while 오랜만이야 is the informal version of 오랜만이에요 used to greet someone in a casual setting. 오랜만이네 is an informal phrase used to greet someone with a nuance of surprise or excitement about the reunion. The expression 오래간만이야 is also an informal expression meaning long time. Additionally, 한참동안 implies a considerable amount of time, emphasizing a longer duration.
How do you pronounce it?
oraen sigan
Did you know?
- While 오랜만이에요 is the standard greeting for a 'long time', Koreans often pair it with a question about whether the other person has been eating well, as health and food are central to social care.
- The word 시간 is a Sino-Korean term where the character 時 means 'time' and 間 represents a 'gap' or 'interval'.
- In Korean culture, saying 오랜만이에요 to a superior may be followed by a humble apology for not having contacted them sooner.
Examples in context
- 오랜만이에요! 어떻게 지내세요?Long time no see! How have you been?
- 이번에는 오랫동안 여행을 다녀왔어요.I went on a long trip this time.
- 저는 한참동안 공부해서 어려운 문제를 풀었어요.I studied for a long time and solved the difficult problem.
- 와, 오랜만이네! 어디다니다가 나타났어?Wow, long time no see! Where have you been?
- 오래간만이야! 너무 보고싶었어.Long time no see! I missed you so much.
- 오랜 시간 동안 연락을 못 했어요.oraen sigan dongan yeollageul mot haesseoyo.I haven't been in contact for a long time.
Example conversation
Jihoon and Subin meet at a cafe after several years.
- 지훈 Ji-hun수빈 씨, 정말 오랜 시간 만이에요!Subin ssi, jeongmal oraen sigan manieyo!Subin, it's been such a long time!
- 수빈 Su-bin지훈 씨, 반가워요. 잘 지냈어요?Jihoon ssi, bangawoyo. jal jinaesseoyo?Jihoon, it's good to see you. Have you been well?
- 지훈 Ji-hun네, 그런데 오랜 시간 못 봐서 어색하네요.ne, geureonde oraen sigan mot bwaeseo eosaekhaneyo.Yes, but it's a bit awkward since we haven't seen each other for a long time.
- 수빈 Su-bin맞아요. 이제 자주 연락하고 지내요.majayo. ije jaju yeonrakhago jinaeyo.That's true. Let's keep in touch often now.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 시간, 오랜, CC BY-SA 4.0.
