Polite to Stranger
Cultural · Communication
ご無沙汰しております。お元気でいらっしゃいましたか？ — It's been a long time. Have you been well? (Cultural · Communication, Polite to Stranger, JLPT N3)
You
ご無沙汰しております。お元気でいらっしゃいましたか？
ごぶさたしております。おげんきでいらっしゃいましたか？
It's been a long time. Have you been well?
Romaji: Gobusata shite orimasu. Ogenki de irasshaimashita ka? / Reply Romaji: Hai, okagesama de. Sochira mo okawari nai desu ka?
Reply
はい、お陰様で。そちらもお変わりないですか？
はい、おかげさまで。そちらもおかわりないですか？
Yes, I'm well, thank you. Have you been keeping well too?
Gesture & etiquette
Slight bow (30 degrees) while saying the apology. Soft, warm expression — this is a reconnection moment, not a business transaction. Maintain eye contact when asking about their wellbeing. If meeting after years, a deeper bow (45 degrees) is appropriate.
Gobusata shite orimasu' (literally 'I have been neglectful') is the standard greeting after a long absence — you apologize for not staying in touch even if no actual obligation existed. This humble framing protects the relationship from any perceived neglect. 'Irasshaimashita' is the past honorific of 'iru' (to be), making the inquiry respectful. Use after gaps of 6+ months, longer for very formal relationships.