Do you ever find yourself running into someone you haven’t seen in a while and end up repeating the same old phrase “Nice to see you again”? While this sentiment is perfectly fine, having a repertoire of different ways to express it can make the interaction feel more engaging and genuine.
In this article, we’ll look at what to say instead of “nice to see you again” to mix things up a bit. Whether catching up with an old friend, acquaintance, or colleague, putting a fresh spin on your greeting can liven up the conversation. The examples below provide ideas for showing you’re happy to reconnect without sounding trite or repetitive.
From expressing surprise to conveying how much you missed them, there are many paths you can take when reuniting with someone after a long absence. So next time you bump into that blast from the past, try out some of these fun alternatives to the well-worn “nice to see you again!”
Is it professional to say “Nice to see you again”?
Yes, it is generally considered professional to say “Nice to see you again” when reconnecting with someone you have not seen for a while in a work context. Of course, tone and delivery still matter when saying “Nice to see you again.” But overall, the phrase hits the right notes of tact, respect, and positivity for workplace reunions.
Here are some pros and cons of saying “Nice to see you again” in a professional setting:
Pros:
- It’s a polite and socially expected greeting that shows you recognize the person and are pleased to reconnect. This can start the interaction off on a positive note.
- It’s a safe, generic phrase that avoids over-familiarity when you don’t have a close relationship with the person. This maintains professional boundaries.
Cons:
- It can come across as clichéd, impersonal, or insincere if said flatly without genuine warmth. The phrase risks sounding like an automatic pilot rather than a thoughtful greeting.
- It doesn’t provide any context or enthusiasm for the reunion, missing an opportunity to make the person feel welcomed and valued. A more personal or upbeat greeting might achieve this better.
What to Say instead of “Nice to see you again”
- It’s great to see you!
- I’m so happy we could catch up again.
- It’s been too long, it’s wonderful to see you.
- What a nice surprise running into you here!
- I’m glad we could meet up again.
- It’s been ages, it’s so nice to see your face.
- Long time no see, it’s great to reconnect.
- I was just thinking of you the other day, what perfect timing.
- Fancy seeing you here! How have you been?
- Well hello stranger, it’s been a while. So nice to see you.
While “nice to see you again” is a reliable greeting, it can sometimes sound a bit generic. Here are 10 synonyms, each offering a unique flavor, with personalized examples to bring them to life:
1. It’s great to see you!
(Enthusiastic & Friendly)
Radiate genuine excitement that you bumped into someone you enjoy. Imagine a big smile and maybe a wave across the room!
Example: “Hey Sarah! It’s great to see you! How was your vacation in Bali?”
2. I’m so happy we could catch up again.
(Expresses Genuine Pleasure)
Let them know you truly value the interaction and missed their company. Imagine a warm hug or handshake, conveying happiness to reconnect.
Example: “John, I’m so happy we could catch up again. It feels like forever since we last talked.”
3. It’s been too long, it’s wonderful to see you.
(Emphasizes Time Missed)
Acknowledge the gap in time and highlight how pleased you are to bridge it. Imagine a surprised and delighted tone, expressing how much you missed them.
Example: “Ms. Johnson, it’s been too long, it’s wonderful to see you! It was such a pleasure working with you on the last project.”
4. What a nice surprise running into you here!
(Unexpected Delight)
Show genuine shock and joy at a serendipitous encounter. Imagine a widened gaze, followed by a chuckle and excited questions about the coincidence.
Example: “Mark! What a nice surprise running into you here at the cafe! This is such a coincidence.”
5. I’m glad we could meet up again.
(Appreciative & Intentional)
Express gratitude for making the effort to connect despite busy schedules. Imagine a sincere smile and genuine appreciation for their time.
Example: “Lisa, I’m so glad we could meet up again despite our busy schedules. This lunch is long overdue.”
6. It’s been ages, it’s so nice to see your face.
(Informal & Warm)
Convey a casual and friendly vibe, emphasizing the joy of seeing them in person again. Imagine a relaxed tone and a big smile, showing genuine warmth.
Example: “Hey Mike, it’s been ages, it’s so nice to see your face! How’s the family?”
7. Long time no see, it’s great to reconnect.
(Casual & Rekindling)
Strike a laid-back yet excited tone, highlighting the desire to get caught up on lost time. Imagine a cool greeting and an invitation to reminisce and share updates.
Example: “Hey Maria, long time no see, it’s great to reconnect! We should do this more often.”
8. I was just thinking of you the other day, what perfect timing.
(Serendipitous & Memorable)
Create a sense of destiny and excitement about the unexpected encounter. Imagine a surprised grin and an explanation of what reminded you of them, making the meeting feel special.
Example: “David, what are the chances! I was just thinking of you the other day, and here you are! This must be meant to be.”
9. Fancy seeing you here! How have you been?
(Playful & Conversational)
Inject a lighthearted and engaging tone, inviting conversation and catching up. Imagine a playful wink and a genuine question about their well-being, sparking a fun interaction.
Example: “Anna, fancy seeing you here! How have you been? Remember that crazy story we shared last time? Let’s catch up properly.”
10. Well hello stranger, it’s been a while. So nice to see you.
(Teasing & Familiar)
Show playful humor and acknowledge the time gap in a lighthearted way. Imagine a friendly jab and a big smile, conveying your pleasure at seeing them again despite the time apart.
Example: “Ben, well hello stranger, it’s been a while! So nice to see you. Let’s hear all about your latest adventures.”