How to say 'I miss you' in English: 5 sentences from TV shows

How to Say “I Miss You” in English

 Have you ever had a moment where a certain someone’s face suddenly pops into your mind after you’ve been apart for a while? Even in the midst of a busy day, thoughts of that person can linger in your mind, tugging at your heartstrings.

 The phrase “I miss you” carries so much emotion within just three words. While there are various ways to express these feelings in English, choosing the right expression for the right situation can be challenging. In today’s post, we’ll explore some helpful expressions you can use when you’re missing someone, illustrated with examples from popular TV shows.

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1. I miss you

 The most straightforward and common expression you can use is “I miss you.” This phrase directly conveys the feeling of longing for someone. Here, “miss” doesn’t mean “fail to catch” but rather “to feel the absence of someone.”

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From the show Stranger Things
A: It’s so weird not having you around.
B: Yeah, everything feels off without you.
A: I miss you, El.
B: I miss you too, Mike. Can’t wait to see you again.

Explanation: This conversation is between friends who are separated by distance. The phrase “have someone around” means to have someone by your side. The expression “feel off” is commonly used in everyday life to describe something that feels different or uncomfortable compared to the usual. In this dialogue, the characters express the emptiness they feel in their daily lives without each other. The final phrase, “Can’t wait to see you,” conveys a strong desire to see someone again soon.

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2. I’ve Been Thinking About You

 The second expression, “I’ve been thinking about you,” is similar to saying “You’ve been on my mind a lot.” This phrase is a gentle way to express that someone has been on your mind, making it perfect for reconnecting with someone after a while.

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From the show Never Have I Ever
A: Hey, it’s been quiet without you around.
B: I know, I’ve been kinda laying low.
A: Well, I’ve been thinking about you.
B: Really? That’s nice to hear. We should hang out soon.

Explanation: When a friend who is usually lively and social suddenly disappears, it can feel quite empty. The phrase “lay low” is a casual expression meaning to keep a low profile or stay out of the spotlight, often used when someone wants to spend some quiet time alone. If you ever find yourself needing a break or some personal space, this phrase can come in handy. In this context, “I’ve been thinking about you” is used to express how much the speaker has missed the friend’s presence. Finally, “We should hang out soon” is a perfect way to suggest meeting up.

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3. You’ve Been on My Mind

 The third expression, “You’ve been on my mind,” is ideal for when someone has been on your thoughts recently. This phrase conveys a subtle sense of longing without being too direct, making it a heartfelt way to express your feelings.

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From the show Ginny & Georgia
A: Hey, how’ve you been?
B: Not bad, just the usual. You?
A: I’m good. You’ve been on my mind, actually.
B: Oh yeah? Let’s catch up soon, then.

Explanation: This is a conversation between two friends who aren’t particularly close but still keep in touch. The phrase “How’ve you been?” is a common way to ask how someone has been doing. “Just the usual” means that everything has been the same as usual, a phrase we use all the time. The expression “You’ve been on my mind” gently conveys that the speaker has been thinking about the other person, and the conversation wraps up with “Let’s catch up soon,” a great way to suggest meeting again.

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4. I’m Counting the Days Until I See You

 This phrase may come across as a bit more embarrassed, as it expresses that you’re literally counting down the days until you can see the other person again. It’s an enthusiastic and heartfelt way to convey both longing and excitement for an upcoming reunion.

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From the show Stranger Things
A: This long-distance thing is tough.
B: Yeah, but we’re making it work.
A: I’m counting the days until I see you again.
B: Me too. Can’t wait to be back.

Explanation: This dialogue is between two people in a long-distance relationship who are expressing how much they miss each other. The phrase “long-distance thing” here refers to a long-distance relationship. Adding “-thing” in casual conversation is quite common and helps to mention a situation without explicitly stating it. Thus, when someone says “long-distance thing,” the listener immediately understands that it’s about a relationship. The expression “I’m counting the days until I see you” is often used in romantic relationships to convey just how much someone is looking forward to being reunited. The response, “Can’t wait to be back,” perfectly reflects the strong desire to return and see each other again.

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5. Wish You Were Around

 The final expression I’d like to introduce is “Wish you were around.” This phrase can be used when you wish a friend or family member were with you, similar to saying, “I wish you were here.” It’s a light yet sincere way to express that you miss someone’s presence.

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From the show Riverdale
A: Things have been pretty crazy lately.
B: Yeah, I heard. How are you holding up?
A: Honestly, wish you were around.
B: Me too. We’ll get through this together.

Explanation: This conversation takes place between two people who have been too busy to meet up. The phrase “things have been crazy” means that life has been incredibly hectic, a phrase we often use in everyday conversation. “Hold up” means to endure, and here it’s used to ask how someone is managing through their busy life. During stressful times, it’s natural to wish for the company of a supportive friend, which is why “wish you were around” is used in this context. The final phrase, “get through,” means to overcome or deal with something difficult.

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In Conclusion

 Today, we explored various ways to say “I miss you” in English. From the classic “I miss you,” to the thoughtful “I’ve been thinking about you” and “You’ve been on my mind,” to the more romantic “I’m counting the days until I see you,” and the sincere “Wish you were around”—there are many expressions to choose from, each with its own nuance.

 As I was writing this, I found myself thinking about the friends and teachers I miss. It’s been over a year since I’ve seen some of them, due to being busy or simply thinking that no news is good news. Perhaps it’s time to reach out with a call or text and see how they’re doing. Thank you for reading to the end.