Hisasiburi
While "Hisashiburi" is a simple and convenient expression when used on its own, it is a word that leads to many mistakes when used within a full sentence. Foreign learners often make the following error:
Wrong: Hisashiburi ni kazoku ni atte inai. (ひさしぶりに家族に会っていない。)
When translating "I have not seen my family for a long time," learners often end up with the sentence above. However, this is incorrect. Please keep this in mind!
Hisashiburi: A long period of time has passed since you last experienced something until that same thing happens again.
The key point here is "until that same thing happens again." You can use "hisashiburi" when you have had—or plan to have—the opportunity to do the same thing again. It cannot be used if you haven't seen your family for a long time and still have no plans to see them.
Example sentence 1
I met my French friend in Bangkok for the first time in a long while. (I hadn't seen them for a long time, but the opportunity to meet finally occurred.)
Watashi wa Bankoku de Furansu no yuujin to hisashiburi ni atta.
"Hisashiburi" must always be followed by a verb in the affirmative form. It is never followed by a negative form. This is because it is used specifically for cases where the opportunity to repeat an action has actually arrived or is scheduled.
While "hisashiburi" is an abstract expression meaning there was a long gap, you can also use it with specific time frames:
Example sentence 2
I met my friend in Bangkok for the first time in nine years. (I hadn't seen them for nine years, but the opportunity to meet occurred.)
Watashi wa Bankoku de yuujin to 9-nen buri ni atta.
Example sentence 1 and 2 describe cases where "the opportunity occurred," but example sentence 3 shows a case where "the opportunity is scheduled." For instance, if you haven't watched a movie recently but plan to go tomorrow, you can say:
Example sentence 3
I am going to see a movie tomorrow for the first time in a long time.
Ashita hisashiburi ni eiga o mi ni iku.
And remember, "hisashiburi" isn't just for the verb "to meet" (au). In example sentence 3, "go to see" (mi ni iku) is used. Don't just stop at saying "Hisashiburi!" as a greeting—try using it within your sentences!