⏳❓😊

How to Say ‘It's been a while; how have you been keeping?’ in Simplified Chinese

好久没见，您身体还好吧？

hǎo jiǔ méi jiàn nín shēn tǐ hái hǎo ba

[hǎo jiǔ may jyen neen shun-tee hái hǎo ba]

🇨🇳 In China: Asking an older relative about their 身体 "health" is the standard warm greeting. It shows care rather than prying, and the respectful 您 makes it suitable for in-laws.

Phrase Breakdown

好久没见，

hǎo jiǔ méi jiàn

long time no see,

An opening greeting. Pause briefly at the comma before continuing.

Example

好久没见，你胖了点儿。

Long time no see, you've put on a little weight.

Words in this phrase

好

hǎo

[hǎo]

very; quite

Adverb intensifying a time or amount word, like 'so' or 'very'.

Example

我好久没回家了。

I haven't gone home for a long time.

久

jiǔ

[jiǔ]

long (time)

Describes a long period of time.

Example

你等了多久？

How long did you wait?

没

méi

[may]

not; no

A negation word often used with verbs or in set phrases like 没问题.

Example

没关系，谢谢。

No problem, thank you.

见

jiàn

[jyen]

to see; to meet

Often used in farewells to mean 'see you.'

Example

晚上见，我们再确认停车。

See you tonight; we’ll confirm the parking again.

您身体

nín shēn tǐ

your health

Using polite 您 (nín) shows respect, for example to a parent-in-law. 身体 (shēntǐ) means health or body.

Example

您身体真好！

You're in such good health!

Words in this phrase

您

nín

[neen]

you (polite)

A respectful form of “you,” used when speaking politely to someone, such as a recruiter or company representative.

Example

很高兴认识您，希望向您多学习。

It’s a pleasure to meet you; I hope to learn more from you.

身体

shēn tǐ

[shun-tee]

body; health

Can refer to the physical body or someone's general health condition.

Example

我的身体很好。

My health is very good.

还好吧？

hái hǎo ba

is it okay?

A soft, caring question. The 吧 (ba) has a light neutral tone.

Example

Get the Full Learning Experience

This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.

Pronunciation Feedback

AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud

Spaced Repetition

Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice

Immersive Roleplaying

Practice real conversations with AI partners

Lessons for Your Situation

Request lessons tailored to your specific needs

Get Full Lesson

What Learners Are Saying

“Shanghai business dinners require real Mandarin skills. This app’s situation-based approach meant I could keep up with clients after just a month of practice.”

Ryan M., 36, Consultant

“Learning a language has never been as immediately impactful. Now I can charm the locals and navigate the food scene like a boss.”

Alex M., 42, Software Engineer

“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”

Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager