Welcome to this guide on how to say “long time no see” in Portuguese! This phrase is a common way to express that you haven’t seen someone for a while, and it’s always nice to be able to greet someone in their native language. In this guide, we’ll cover both the formal and informal ways of saying “long time no see” in Portuguese. We’ll also mention regional variations when necessary. Let’s get started!
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Formal Ways to Say “Long Time No See” in Portuguese
When speaking in formal situations or addressing someone you have a respectful relationship with, you can use the following phrases to convey the idea of “long time no see” in Portuguese:
- Há quanto tempo não nos vemos! – This is a straightforward and commonly used formal expression to say “long time no see.”
- Faz muito tempo que não nos encontramos! – This phrase expresses the same sentiment and is an equally polite way to greet someone you haven’t seen for a while.
- Estou feliz em vê-lo depois de tanto tempo! – This phrase not only acknowledges the duration since your last meeting but also conveys happiness about seeing the person once again.
Keep in mind that these formal expressions can be used in any Portuguese-speaking country and will be easily understood by all native speakers.
Informal Ways to Say “Long Time No See” in Portuguese
For less formal settings with friends, family, or when speaking to someone of your own age or younger, you can use the following phrases:
- Quanto tempo, hein? – This phrase, which roughly translates to “Long time, huh?” in English, is a casual way of saying “long time no see” among friends.
- E aí, sumido(a)? – This expression is often used among friends and means “Hey, disappeared one?” in a friendly and informal manner.
- Tava sumido(a), hein? – This phrase, which translates to “You were gone, huh?” in English, is another informal way to say “long time no see” among friends.
Remember, when using these more informal expressions, it’s important to consider your relationship with the person you are greeting and the context. These phrases are best suited for casual and friendly encounters.
Additional Tips and Examples
Here are a few additional tips and examples to help you better understand and use these expressions:
Variations
Portuguese is spoken in various regions, and while the phrases mentioned above are widely used, there might be minor regional variations. It’s best to stick to these well-known expressions as they will be understood by Portuguese speakers everywhere. However, if you are in Brazil, you might hear the informal expression “E aí, sumidão?” which is a variation of “E aí, sumido(a)?”
Non-Literality
It’s important to note that the literal translation of “long time no see” into Portuguese (‘há muito tempo sem ver você’) is not commonly used in everyday conversation. The phrases mentioned in this guide are idiomatic expressions that convey the same meaning in a more natural and culturally appropriate way.
Non-Verbal Communication
In addition to using these phrases, it’s also common in Portuguese-speaking cultures to greet someone with a warm smile, a friendly hug, or a handshake. Showing genuine joy upon seeing someone you haven’t encountered for a while is seen as a welcoming gesture.
Example 1: Imagine you are greeting a friend you haven’t seen for a year:
Formal: Há quanto tempo não nos vemos! Estou muito feliz em te reencontrar.
Informal: Quanto tempo, hein? Tava sumida mesmo. Legal te ver de novo!
Example 2: You are meeting a colleague after a few months:
Formal: Faz muito tempo que não nos encontramos! Como você tem estado?
Informal: E aí, sumido(a)? Senti falta das nossas conversas. E como vão as coisas?
Remember to adapt these phrases to your specific situation, and feel free to mix them up to add your personal touch when greeting someone in Portuguese. The goal is to make the other person feel welcome and valued in your conversation.
I hope this guide has provided you with the information you were looking for! Now you can greet your Portuguese-speaking friends, family, or colleagues with confidence, using both formal and informal greetings for “long time no see.” Enjoy practicing and connecting with the Portuguese-speaking world!
