Meanings
Unknown. Possibly a calque of Cantonese 好耐冇見/好耐冇见 (hou2 noi6 mou5 gin3), comparable to no can do or chop-chop – if so, most likely US Chinatown origin, alternatively British Far East such as Hong Kong.[1] Alternatively, native American origin, or native coinage as pidgin, particularly in cinematic portrayals of native Americans;[1] compare language used by Tonto (1930s).
How to pronounce "long time no see":
AU
I (or we) have not seen you for a long time.
Example Sentences
1
Hey John, long time no see! How have you been?
2
Hi Sarah, long time no see. It's great to run into you here.
3
Well, well, long time no see, Sam. What brings you here?
4
Hey Tom, long time no see. We should plan a get-together soon.