無沙汰(ぶさた)

ぶさた
noun
not contacting for a while, neglecting correspondence
1. not writing or visiting for a long time, neglecting correspondence
The state of not having contacted someone for an extended period. Often used with ご無沙汰(ぶさた) as a polite expression when meeting or contacting someone after a long absence.
ご無沙汰(ぶさた)しております。
It's been a long time (since we last met/spoke).
Polite greeting
長(なが)らくご無沙汰(ぶさた)して申(もう)し訳(わけ)ありません。
I apologize for not being in touch for so long.
Formal apology
ご無沙汰(ぶさた)でしたね。
It's been a while, hasn't it?

USAGE: Almost always used with the honorific prefix ご as ご無沙汰(ぶさた).

COMMON EXPRESSIONS:

  • ご無沙汰(ぶさた)しております (formal: it's been a long time)
  • ご無沙汰(ぶさた)しています (polite: it's been a long time)
  • ご無沙汰(ぶさた)してすみません (sorry for not being in touch)
  • 大変(たいへん)ご無沙汰(ぶさた)しました (very formal apology for long absence)

REGISTER: Formal/polite. Used in business and social situations when reconnecting after a period of no contact.

SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:

  • お久(ひさ)しぶりです (it's been a while - more casual)
  • 久々(ひさびさ) (after a long time)

Related Words

Synonym: お久(ひさ)しぶり (casual)
general
Added 2026.1.11 21:04 · Revised 2026.1.19 21:17
03000/03147_busata