Breakdown of Сколько лет, сколько зим! Как жизнь? Что нового?
Questions & Answers about Сколько лет, сколько зим! Как жизнь? Что нового?
Yes. It is a fixed idiomatic greeting used when you meet someone after a long time.
Literally, it looks like How many years, how many winters!, but you should learn it as one whole expression, not word by word.
It sounds warm, expressive, and slightly colorful. In many situations, Long time no see! is the best English equivalent.
Because after сколько, Russian normally uses the genitive plural.
- год → genitive plural лет
- зима → genitive plural зим
So grammatically, both noun forms are expected after сколько.
Also, Сколько лет, сколько зим! is a set phrase, so native speakers do not usually think about its grammar every time they say it.
People still say it, and it is perfectly understandable and natural.
That said, it has a slightly traditional or colorful feel compared with very plain modern greetings. It sounds friendly and expressive, not strange or outdated.
You will hear it especially:
- when people unexpectedly run into each other
- when friends or acquaintances reconnect
- in speech, messages, or social media comments