Spanish Phrase
¡Hace mucho que no nos vemos! ¿Cómo andas?
Meaning
Literally, 'It's been a long time since we haven't seen each other! How are you doing?' In everyday speech it means 'We haven't seen each other in ages! How have you been?' The exclamation shows excitement, while the question is a friendly check‑in.
When to use
Use this phrase with friends, family members, or close acquaintances when you meet after a noticeable gap. It’s informal, so avoid it in formal business or with strangers you don’t know well.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Hacemuchoquenonosvemos¿Cómoandas?
Hace + tiempo + que + verb
Use 'Hace' + a time expression + 'que' + verb (in present) to talk about how long something has been happening.
Reflexive verb 'verse'
'Ver' becomes reflexive 'verse' when the subject sees each other; 'nos vemos' = 'we see each other'.
Colloquial 'andar' for 'estar'
'Andar' is often used informally to ask about someone's state, similar to 'estar' but more casual.
Pronoun placement with negation
The negative 'no' precedes the verb phrase: 'no nos vemos' (we don't see each other).
🗨In Conversation
¡Hace mucho que no nos vemos! ¿Cómo andas?
Long time no see! How are you doing?
¡Sí! La verdad es que ha pasado mucho. Yo bien, ¿y tú?
Yeah! It really has been a while. I'm good, and you?
✕Common Mistakes
¡Hace mucho que no nos vemos! ¿Cómo está?
Mixing formal 'está' with informal 'andas' sounds inconsistent; use either both formal or both informal.
¡Hace mucho tiempo que no no nos vemos! ¿Cómo andas?
While correct, learners often drop 'tiempo' and keep the shorter version; both are fine, but avoid adding an extra 'no' like 'no no nos vemos'.
¡Hace mucho que nos vemos! ¿Cómo andas?
The negative must stay: 'no nos vemos'. Forgetting 'no' changes the meaning to 'we see each other'.
↔Alternatives
¡Hace mucho que no nos vemos! ¿Qué tal?
Long time no see! How's it going?
¡Cuánto tiempo sin vernos! ¿Cómo estás?
It's been ages since we saw each other! How are you?
¡Ya hacía tiempo que no nos veíamos! ¿Qué hay de nuevo?
It’s been a while since we saw each other! What's new?
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking countries, 'andar' as in '¿Cómo andas?' is a relaxed way to ask about someone's wellbeing, similar to '¿Qué tal?' Avoid using it with elders or in formal settings; there you’d prefer '¿Cómo está usted?'. Also, the phrase 'Hace mucho que no nos vemos' can be lengthened to 'Hace mucho tiempo que no nos vemos' for a slightly more formal tone.