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Measuring Time and Frequency
中国語の持続時間：'了'を使って「どのくらい」を表す

1 期間の否定：『〜の間〜していない』（没有...了） 2 中国語の持続時間：'了'を使って「どのくらい」を表す 3 どのくらい？期間を尋ねる (多久 duōjiǔ) 4 「毎日」には必ず「都 (dōu)」をつける理由

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中国語の持続時間：'了'を使って「どのくらい」を表す

時間の長さは動詞の後ろ！今も継続中なら最後に「了」をプラスして «了...了» の形にするのがコツです。

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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

To express how long an action lasted, place the duration immediately after the verb and follow it with 'le'.

Verb + Duration + {了|le}: {我|wǒ}{等|děng}{了|le}{三|sān}{个|gè}{小|xiǎo}{时|shí} (I waited for three hours).
If there is an object, repeat the verb: {我|wǒ}{学|xué}{了|le}{三|sān}{个|gè}{小|xiǎo}{时|shí}{汉|hàn}{语|yǔ} (I studied Chinese for three hours).
For negative, use {没|méi} and omit {了|le}: {我|wǒ}{没|méi}{等|děng}{三|sān}{个|gè}{小|xiǎo}{时|shí} (I didn't wait for three hours).

Subject + Verb + Duration + 了 + (Object)

Overview

Mastering duration expressions in Chinese is pivotal for intermediate (B1) learners. Unlike many Indo-European languages that rely on prepositions like for, Chinese employs a sophisticated system, primarily utilizing the aspect particle 了 (le), to specify how long an action has occurred or a state has existed. This grammatical feature highlights China's aspect-prominent linguistic nature, where verbs are less concerned with exact tense (when an action occurs) and more with its temporal dynamics (how an action unfolds over time: completed, ongoing, habitual, experiential).

At the B1 level, your primary challenge is to differentiate between an action that was completed *within* a certain duration and an action that has been *ongoing* for a period and continues into the present. This distinction, often conveyed by the presence or absence of a second, sentence-final 了, profoundly alters the meaning. Misinterpreting this can lead to significant misunderstandings regarding the current status of an activity.

Understanding the precise placement and function of 了 particles is your key to communicating about time with accuracy and nuance.

This lesson will deconstruct these mechanisms, providing clear rules and examples to ensure you can confidently express duration in various contexts. It moves beyond merely observing where 了 appears to explaining *why* it appears there and what linguistic function it serves, connecting it to the broader logical framework of Chinese grammar.

How This Grammar Works

Chinese expresses duration by placing the time expression after the verb or the verb-object phrase. This contrasts sharply with English, where for X time often precedes the verb or uses diverse phrasings. The complexity intensifies when the verb takes an object, necessitating specific structural adjustments to integrate the duration without violating core Chinese syntax principles, such as keeping the verb and its object in close proximity.

At the heart of Chinese duration expressions are two distinct, though homophonous, particles: 了 (often referred to as le1 or verbal 了) and 了 (often referred to as le2 or sentence-final 了).

了 (le1): The Perfective Aspect Marker

This 了 immediately follows a verb, indicating the completion or realization of the action denoted by that verb. When combined with duration, it means the action was performed for a specific period, and that performance concluded. For instance, in 我跑了两个小时 (wǒ pǎo le liǎng gè xiǎoshí, I ran for two hours), 了 after 跑 confirms the act of running for two hours is finished.

You are no longer running.

了 (le2): The Modal Particle (Change of State/Continuation)

This 了 typically appears at the very end of a sentence. It functions as a modal particle indicating a change of state, the inception of a new situation, or, critically for duration, the continuation of a state or action up to the present moment. When a sentence contains both le1 (after the verb) and le2 (at the end) alongside a duration, it explicitly states that the action or state has continued for the specified duration and is still ongoing or its result is still relevant at the moment of speaking.

For example, 我跑了两个小时了 (wǒ pǎo le liǎng gè xiǎoshí le, I have been running for two hours) implies you started two hours ago and are *still* running.

The interplay between these two 了 particles—or the deliberate absence of le2—is the primary mechanism Chinese uses to convey whether a specified duration refers to a completed event or an ongoing one. For stative verbs (e.g., 住 zhù to live, 认识 rènshi to know), le1 can mark the *inception* of that state for a duration, while le2 then unequivocally signals its continuation up to the present.

Formation Pattern

Chinese provides several distinct patterns for expressing duration, particularly when a verb takes an object. Mastery of these structures is essential for accurate communication.

1. Intransitive Verbs (No Object)

When the verb does not take a direct object (e.g., 跑 pǎo to run, 睡 shuì to sleep, 等 děng to wait), the structure is straightforward. The duration expression follows the verb and 了 (le1).

Pattern: Subject + Verb + 了 (le1) + Duration (+ 了 (le2))

| :---------------- | :-------------------------------------------------------------------------- | :------------------------------------------- | :----------------------------------------------- |

| 了 (le1) | Perfective aspect marker. | 了 (le) | 了 (le) |

| (+ 了 (le2)) | Optional sentence-final modal particle (for ongoing actions/states). | (Not present) | 了 (le) |

他睡了十个小时。 (tā shuì le shí gè xiǎoshí.) - He slept for ten hours (and is now awake; the sleeping action is complete).

我等了半小时了。 (wǒ děng le bàn xiǎoshí le.) - I have been waiting for half an hour (and am still waiting).

2. Transitive Verbs (Verb + Object) - Verb Repetition

This is a highly common and grammatically robust method for handling duration with transitive verbs. The verb is repeated, allowing the first instance to take its object, and the second instance (often called a verbal complement) to be modified by the duration.

Pattern: Subject + Verb + Object + Verb + 了 (le1) + Duration (+ 了 (le2))

| :---------------- | :-------------------------------------------------------------------------- | :------------------------------------------- | :------------------------------------------------- |

| 了 (le1) | Perfective aspect marker. | 了 (le) | 了 (le) |

| (+ 了 (le2)) | Optional sentence-final modal particle (for ongoing actions/states). | (Not present) | 了 (le) |

她看书看了两个小时。 (tā kàn shū kàn le liǎng gè xiǎoshí.) - She read books for two hours (and stopped reading).

他们学汉语学了三年了。 (tāmen xué Hànyǔ xué le sān nián le.) - They have been studying Chinese for three years (and are still studying).

3. Transitive Verbs (Verb + Object) - 的 (de) Structure

This pattern involves placing the duration directly after Verb + 了 (le1), potentially followed by the structural particle 的, and then the object. The Duration + (的) phrase effectively functions as an adjectival modifier for the object.

Pattern: Subject + Verb + 了 (le1) + Duration (+ 的) + Object (+ 了 (le2))

| :---------------- | :-------------------------------------------------------------------------- | :------------------------------------------- | :----------------------------------------------- |

| 了 (le1) | Perfective aspect marker. | 了 (le) | 了 (le) |

| (+ 的) | Optional structural particle; often omitted in casual speech. | 的 (de) | (Not present) |

| (+ 了 (le2)) | Optional sentence-final modal particle (for ongoing actions/states). | (Not present) | 了 (le) |

我写了一个小时的报告。 (wǒ xiě le yī gè xiǎoshí de bàogào.) - I wrote a report for one hour (and finished it).

他在这里住了五年了。 (tā zài zhèlǐ zhù le wǔ nián le.) - He has been living here for five years (and still lives here). Note the common omission of 的 with stative verbs like 住.

4. Object-Fronting (Topicalization)

This less common but grammatically valid structure positions the object at the beginning of the sentence to serve as a topic for emphasis or contrast. The subject, verb, 了 (le1), and duration follow.

Pattern: Object + Subject + Verb + 了 (le1) + Duration (+ 了 (le2))

| :---------------- | :-------------------------------------------------------------------------- | :--------------------------------------------- | :----------------------------------------------- |

| 了 (le1) | Perfective aspect marker. | 了 (le) | 了 (le) |

| (+ 了 (le2)) | Optional sentence-final modal particle (for ongoing actions/states). | (Not present) | 了 (le) |

那部电影我看了三个小时。 (nà bù diànyǐng wǒ kàn le sān gè xiǎoshí.) - That movie, I watched for three hours (and finished).

这份报告她写了一个月了。 (zhè fèn bàogào tā xiě le yī gè yuè le.) - This report, she has been writing for a month (and is still writing).

When To Use It

Effective use of 了 for duration fundamentally hinges on whether the action or state is completed or still ongoing up to the present moment. This distinction is paramount for conveying your message accurately.

1. For Completed Actions (Single 了)

Use 了 (le1) immediately after the verb, and omit the sentence-final 了 (le2), when the action has finished. The specified duration refers to the total time spent on that *concluded* action. This structure implies the activity is no longer happening, and a new state exists.

Rule: Subject + Verb + 了 (le1) + Duration (+ Object, using Pattern 2 or 3 if applicable)
Purpose: To state how long an action lasted *before concluding*. This describes a past event with a defined temporal boundary.
Example: 我昨天跑了半个小时。 (wǒ zuótiān pǎo le bàn gè xiǎoshí.) - Yesterday I ran for half an hour. (The running started and finished yesterday within that half-hour).
Example: 他看了三个小时的电影。 (tā kàn le sān gè xiǎoshí de diànyǐng.) - He watched a three-hour movie. (The watching action is over).

2. For Ongoing Actions or Continuing States (Double 了)

Employ 了 (le1) after the verb AND 了 (le2) at the end of the sentence when the action or state began in the past, has continued for the specified duration, and is still active or continuing into the present, or its effects are still directly relevant now. This structure emphasizes the duration *up to the present moment*.

Rule: Subject + Verb + 了 (le1) + Duration + 了 (le2) (+ Object, using Pattern 2 or 3 if applicable)
Purpose: To indicate an action or state's continuous nature, having persisted from a past point up to and including the point of speaking.
Example: 她学汉语学了三年了。 (tā xué Hànyǔ xué le sān nián le.) - She has been studying Chinese for three years (and is still studying it now).
Example: 我等了你一个小时了！ (wǒ děng le nǐ yī gè xiǎoshí le!) - I've been waiting for you for an hour! (The waiting started an hour ago and is still ongoing, often with an implication of impatience or exasperation).

3. Stative Verbs and Inception of State

Many verbs in Chinese describe states rather than actions (e.g., 认识 rènshi to know, 住 zhù to live, 结婚 jiéhūn to be married). For these, 了 (le1) can mark the inception of the state, with 了 (le2) then indicating its continuation for a duration up to the present. Without le2, it usually refers to a state that concluded.

我认识他十年了。 (wǒ rènshi tā shí nián le.) - I have known him for ten years (and still do). Here, le1 marks the beginning of the acquaintance, le2 its continuation.
他们结婚五年了。 (tāmen jiéhūn wǔ nián le.) - They have been married for five years (and are still married).

Common Mistakes

Learners frequently encounter specific challenges when using 了 for duration. Recognizing these pitfalls is the first step toward correcting them and understanding the linguistic logic.

1. Incorrect Placement of Duration:

Many learners, influenced by English syntax, instinctively place the duration *before* the verb. Chinese grammar dictates that duration follows the verb.

Incorrect: 我两个小时学习中文。 (wǒ liǎng gè xiǎoshí xuéxí zhōngwén.) - *(Literally: I two hours study Chinese.)*
Correct (Verb Repetition): 我学习中文学习了两个小时。 (wǒ xuéxí Zhōngwén xuéxí le liǎng gè xiǎoshí.) - I studied Chinese for two hours.

Distinction: Remember that time *points* (e.g., 昨天 zuótiān yesterday, 三点 sān diǎn three o'clock) typically precede the verb, functioning as adverbials. Time *durations* always follow the verb or verb phrase.

2. Confusing Single 了 with Double 了:

This is the most critical error. Using a single 了 when a double 了 is required fundamentally changes the meaning from ongoing to completed. This often leads to miscommunication about the current state of affairs.

Scenario: You are still waiting for a friend who is late.
Incorrect: 我等了你半小时。 (wǒ děng le nǐ bàn xiǎoshí.) - I waited for you for half an hour (implies you *stopped* waiting; perhaps you left or gave up).
Correct: 我等了你半小时了。 (wǒ děng le nǐ bàn xiǎoshí le.) - I have been waiting for you for half an hour (and I am *still* waiting, conveying impatience).

3. Omitting Structural Elements with Transitive Verbs:

When a verb takes an object, simply appending the duration after Verb + Object without a structural adjustment (verb repetition or 的 structure) is generally ungrammatical, as it separates the verb and object with the duration.

Incorrect: 他看电视三个小时。 (tā kàn diànshì sān gè xiǎoshí.) - *(Literally: He watch TV three hours.)*
Correct (Verb Repetition): 他看电视看了三个小时。 (tā kàn diànshì kàn le sān gè xiǎoshí.) - He watched TV for three hours.
Correct (的 Structure): 他看了三个小时的电视。 (tā kàn le sān gè xiǎoshí de diànshì.) - He watched TV for three hours.

4. Over-reliance on 的:

While the 的 structure is valid, the verb repetition pattern is often more natural and common for expressing duration, particularly with ongoing actions. Do not feel compelled to always include 的.

我学了两年中文。 (wǒ xué le liǎng nián zhōngwén.) - I studied Chinese for two years. (Very natural and common)
我学了两年中文的。 (wǒ xué le liǎng nián zhōngwén de.) - *(Less natural, sometimes implies the Chinese was *of* two years' study, rather than the action of studying lasting two years.)*

5. Using 过 (guò) for Duration:

过 (guò) is an experiential aspect marker, signifying

have done something before

or have experienced. It does not combine with duration expressions in the same way as 了 to indicate the length of a single, continuous action.

Incorrect: 我吃过半小时饭。 (wǒ chī guò bàn xiǎoshí fàn.) - *(Implies you have had the experience of eating a meal for half an hour at some point, rather than a specific event lasting that long.)*
Correct: 我吃了半小时饭。 (wǒ chī le bàn xiǎoshí fàn.) - I ate a meal for half an hour.

6. Asking How long? with 几 (jǐ):

For asking how long, 多久 (duōjiǔ) and 多长时间 (duō cháng shíjiān) are the standard question words. 几 (jǐ) is for asking how many or how few of countable items, not duration.

Incorrect for duration: 你几小时学习？ (nǐ jǐ xiǎoshí xuéxí?) - *(Sounds like asking for a quantity of hours, not the duration of an action.)*
Correct: 你学习了多久？ (nǐ xuéxí le duōjiǔ?) - How long did you study?
Correct: 你学习了多长时间了？ (nǐ xuéxí le duō cháng shíjiān le?) - How long have you been studying (up to now)?

Real Conversations

Understanding how these grammar patterns manifest in authentic, everyday Chinese communication is crucial for practical usage. Native speakers naturally select the most concise and idiomatic structures, often reflecting emphasis or emotional nuance.

1. Expressing Ongoing Actions (Double 了)

This is extremely common in daily life when discussing current activities, work projects, or waiting, often conveying a sense of continuation, persistence, or even impatience.

- Texting with a friend: 你还在公司吗？我等你半小时了。 (nǐ hái zài gōngsī ma? wǒ děng nǐ bàn xiǎoshí le.) - Are you still at the company? I’ve been waiting for you for half an hour!

- The 等了...了 structure vividly conveys the ongoing waiting and the speaker's potential impatience.

- Discussing a project: 这个项目我们做了三个月了，快完成了。 (zhège xiàngmù wǒmen zuò le sān gè yuè le, kuài wánchéng le.) - We’ve been working on this project for three months, and it’s almost finished.

- Here, the double 了 confirms sustained effort and current progress towards completion.

- Social media post (about learning): 我学中文学了五年了，进步很大！ (wǒ xué zhōngwén xué le wǔ nián le, jìnbù hěn dà!) - I’ve been studying Chinese for five years, and I’ve made great progress!

- The verb repetition 学...学了 combined with the final 了 emphasizes the continuous learning journey and the pride in the sustained effort.

2. Expressing Completed Actions (Single 了)

Used to report finished tasks or past events where a specific duration was spent, and the action has now concluded.

- Answering a question about sleep: 昨晚我睡了八个小时。 (zuówǎn wǒ shuì le bā gè xiǎoshí.) - Last night I slept for eight hours.

- The single 了 after 睡 clearly indicates the action of sleeping is over.

- Reporting on a movie: 我昨天看了一部两个小时的电影。 (wǒ zuótiān kàn le yī bù liǎng gè xiǎoshí de diànyǐng.) - Yesterday I watched a two-hour movie.

- The 的 structure (两个小时的电影) modifies 电影, and 看了一部 signifies the completion of watching that specific movie.

3. Asking About Duration

多久 (duōjiǔ) and 多长时间 (duō cháng shíjiān) are the standard interrogative phrases for duration.

- In a casual chat: 你等了多久了？ (nǐ děng le duōjiǔ le?) - How long have you been waiting?

- The final 了 in the question indicates inquiry about an action that is presumed to be still ongoing.

- Asking about someone's stay: 你来北京来了多长时间了？ (nǐ lái Běijīng lái le duō cháng shíjiān le?) - How long have you been in Beijing?

- The 来...来了 verb repetition for the stative verb 来 (meaning 'to come and be here') is common when asking about residence duration.

4. Informal/Condensed Usage

In very casual speech or texting, if context is extremely clear, some elements might be omitted. However, for B1 learners, adhering to the full structures is strongly recommended to avoid ambiguity.

- Instead of 我等了你半小时了, one might sometimes hear 等了半小时了 if 我 (I) is clearly understood from context. This is more advanced and situation-dependent.

These examples illustrate that while grammatical rules provide a framework, the choice between structures often reflects the speaker's emphasis and the specific communicative context, especially regarding the ongoing nature of an event.

Quick FAQ

These frequently asked questions address common points of confusion for B1 learners regarding Chinese duration expressions, clarifying nuances and common pitfalls.

Q1: Can I express duration without 了 at all?

Yes, but the meaning fundamentally shifts. Omitting 了 typically refers to habitual actions, planned future actions, or the potential/capacity for an action of a certain duration. It does not describe the completion or ongoing nature of a specific event.

我每天跑步半小时。 (wǒ měitiān pǎobù bàn xiǎoshí.) - I run for half an hour every day. (Habitual action).
他想睡八个小时。 (tā xiǎng shuì bā gè xiǎoshí.) - He wants to sleep for eight hours. (Planned future action).
她能看一天的书。 (tā néng kàn yī tiān de shū.) - She can read for a whole day. (Potential capacity).

Q2: What if the verb is intransitive or inherently stative (describes a state)?

When the verb is intransitive (e.g., 睡 shuì to sleep, 跑 pǎo to run, 等 děng to wait) or when the verb itself primarily describes a state (e.g., 旅行 lǚxíng to travel, 住 zhù to live), the structure simplifies. There's no need for verb repetition or the 的 structure because there's no direct object to accommodate. The core pattern remains Subject + Verb + 了 (le1) + Duration (+ 了 (le2)).

他旅行了三个月。 (tā lǚxíng le sān gè yuè.) - He traveled for three months (and finished traveling).
你等了很久了。 (nǐ děng le hěn jiǔ le.) - You've been waiting for a long time (and are still waiting).

Q3: Is the 的 (de) particle mandatory in the Verb + 了 (le1) + Duration + (的) + Object pattern?

No, 的 is often optional in this construction, especially in spoken Chinese and with common duration phrases. Its inclusion can make the sentence sound slightly more formal or subtly emphasize the duration as a descriptor directly modifying the object. Omitting 的 is common and usually preferred in casual speech.

我学了三年中文。 (wǒ xué le sān nián zhōngwén.) - I studied Chinese for three years. (Very common, no 的).
我学了三年的中文。 (wǒ xué le sān nián de zhōngwén.) - I studied Chinese for three years. (Also correct, 的 is present; slightly more formal or emphasizes 'three-year-long Chinese').

Q4: How do I ask How long...? in Chinese?

Use 多久 (duōjiǔ) or 多长时间 (duō cháng shíjiān). These two are largely interchangeable in most contexts. Crucially, remember to include the appropriate 了 particles based on whether you're asking about a completed action or an ongoing one.

Asking about a completed action: 你看了多久的电影？ (nǐ kàn le duōjiǔ de diànyǐng?) - How long did you watch the movie for?
Asking about an ongoing action: 你在这里住了多久了？ (nǐ zài zhèlǐ zhù le duōjiǔ le?) - How long have you been living here (up to now)?

Q5: What's the fundamental difference between the verbal 了 (le1) and the sentence-final 了 (le2) in duration sentences?

This is a critical distinction for B1 learners. The verbal 了 (le1), placed immediately after a verb, functions as a perfective aspect marker. It signals the *completion or realization of the action itself* for the specified duration. The sentence-final 了 (le2) is a modal particle that indicates a change of state or the continuation of an action/state up to the present moment. When both are present with duration, le1 indicates the action occurred for that time, and le2 asserts that this occurrence is still continuing or relevant now. When only le1 is present with duration, the action is definitively over.

Verb + 了 (le1) (alone with duration): Focuses on the action's completion after a duration. Example: 他走了两个小时。 (tā zǒu le liǎng gè xiǎoshí.) - He walked for two hours (and then stopped walking).
Verb + 了 (le1) + Duration + 了 (le2): Focuses on the continuation of an action/state up to the present. Example: 他走了两个小时了。 (tā zǒu le liǎng gè xiǎoshí le.) - He has been walking for two hours (and is still walking).

Understanding this interplay is key to accurately conveying the temporal status of events in Chinese.

Duration Structure Table

Type	Structure	Example
Affirmative	Verb + Duration + le	我睡了八小时
With Object	Verb + le + Duration + Object	我看了两小时书
Verb Repetition	Verb + Object + Verb + Duration + le	我学汉语学了两年
Negative	没 + Verb + Duration	我没睡八小时
Question	Verb + Duration + le + 吗?	你睡了八小时吗?
Question	Verb + Object + Verb + Duration + le + 吗?	你学汉语学了两年吗?

Common Time Contractions

Full	Short
一个小时	一小时
半个小时	半小时

Meanings

This structure indicates the total duration of a completed action.

Completed Duration

Describes the total time spent on an activity that has finished.

“{他|tā}{跑|pǎo}{了|le}{一|yī}{个|gè}{小|xiǎo}{时|shí}{步|bù} (He ran for an hour).”

“{我|wǒ}{看|kàn}{了|le}{两|liǎng}{天|tiān}{书|shū} (I read books for two days).”

Reference Table

Reference table for 中国語の持続時間：'了'を使って「どのくらい」を表す
構造の名前	パターン	使うシチュエーション	状態
シンプルな形	V + 了 + 時間の長さ	目的語がない動作の時	完了
動詞リピート	V + O + V + 了 + 時間	動作をはっきり強調したい時	完了
ダブル「了」	V + (O + V) + 了 + 時間 + 了	今もその動作が続いている時	継続中
「的」のパターン	V + 了 + 時間 + (的) + O	会話でよく使われるカジュアルな形	完了
トピック形式	O + S + V + 了 + 時間	目的語がすでに話題に出ている時	完了
否定形	没(有) + V + 時間の長さ	〜の間、その動作をしていない時	N/A

フォーマル度スペクトル

フォーマル

我等待了一个小时。

我等待了一个小时。 (Waiting for someone.)

ニュートラル

我等了一个小时。

我等了一个小时。 (Waiting for someone.)

カジュアル

我等了一小时。

我等了一小时。 (Waiting for someone.)

スラング

我等了钟头。

我等了钟头。 (Waiting for someone.)

中国語の時間単位

時間の長さ

短い単位

秒 Seconds
分钟 Minutes
刻钟 Quarter Hours

長い単位

小时 Hours
天 Days
个月 Months
年 Years

「了」1つ vs 「了」2つ

「了」1つ (完了)

我等了一个小时。 1時間待った（もうそこにいない）

我学了三年。 3年間学んだ（過去の話）

「了」2つ (継続中)

我等了一个小时了。 1時間ずっと待っている（今も）

我学了三年了。 3年間学んでいる（今も）

パターンの選び方

動詞に目的語（〜を）がある？

YES

次のステップへ

形：主語 + 動詞 + 了 + 時間

その動作は今も続いてる？

YES

形：V + O + V + 了 + 時間 + 了

形：V + 了 + 時間 + (的) + O

時間とよく使う動詞

🏠

日常生活

• 睡觉 (寝る)
• 吃饭 (食べる)
• 洗澡 (お風呂)

📚

仕事・勉強

• 学习 (勉強する)
• 工作 (働く)
• 开会 (会議)

🎮

趣味

• 看电视 (テレビを見る)
• 打游戏 (ゲームをする)
• 听音乐 (音楽を聴く)

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レベル別の例文

{我|wǒ}{吃|chī}{了|le}{一|yī}{个|gè}{小|xiǎo}{时|shí}{饭|fàn}

I ate for an hour.

{他|tā}{睡|shuì}{了|le}{十|shí}{个|gè}{小|xiǎo}{时|shí}

He slept for 10 hours.

{我|wǒ}{走|zǒu}{了|le}{半|bàn}{天|tiān}

I walked for half a day.

{她|tā}{看|kàn}{了|le}{一|yī}{会|huì}{儿|r}{书|shū}

She read for a while.

{我|wǒ}{学|xué}{了|le}{两|liǎng}{个|gè}{小|xiǎo}{时|shí}{汉|hàn}{语|yǔ}

I studied Chinese for two hours.

{他|tā}{等|děng}{了|le}{我|wǒ}{三|sān}{十|shí}{分|fēn}{钟|zhōng}

He waited for me for 30 minutes.

{我|wǒ}{没|méi}{看|kàn}{电|diàn}{影|yǐng}

I didn't watch the movie.

{你|nǐ}{等|děng}{了|le}{多|duō}{久|jiǔ}

How long did you wait?

{我|wǒ}{打|dǎ}{电|diàn}{话|huà}{打|dǎ}{了|le}{一|yī}{个|gè}{小|xiǎo}{时|shí}

I talked on the phone for an hour.

{他|tā}{做|zuò}{作|zuò}{业|yè}{做|zuò}{了|le}{三|sān}{个|gè}{小|xiǎo}{时|shí}

He did homework for three hours.

{我|wǒ}{没|méi}{学|xué}{两|liǎng}{个|gè}{小|xiǎo}{时|shí}{汉|hàn}{语|yǔ}

I didn't study Chinese for two hours.

{你|nǐ}{旅|lǚ}{游|yóu}{旅|lǚ}{游|yóu}{了|le}{几|jǐ}{天|tiān}

How many days did you travel?

{这|zhè}{个|gè}{项|xiàng}{目|mù}{我|wǒ}{做|zuò}{了|le}{整|zhěng}{整|zhěng}{一|yī}{年|nián}

I worked on this project for a whole year.

{他|tā}{在|zài}{这|zhè}{里|lǐ}{住|zhù}{了|le}{五|wǔ}{年|nián}

He has lived here for five years.

{我|wǒ}{没|méi}{在|zài}{这|zhè}{里|lǐ}{住|zhù}{过|guò}{五|wǔ}{年|nián}

I haven't lived here for five years.

{你|nǐ}{开|kāi}{会|huì}{开|kāi}{了|le}{多|duō}{长|cháng}{时|shí}{间|jiān}

How long did the meeting last?

{他|tā}{连|lián}{着|zhe}{工|gōng}{作|zuò}{了|le}{三|sān}{十|shí}{六|liù}{个|gè}{小|xiǎo}{时|shí}

He worked continuously for 36 hours.

{这|zhè}{场|chǎng}{电|diàn}{影|yǐng}{放|fàng}{映|yìng}{了|le}{三|sān}{个|gè}{小|xiǎo}{时|shí}

This movie was screened for three hours.

{我|wǒ}{没|méi}{能|néng}{坚|jiān}{持|chí}{三|sān}{个|gè}{月|yuè}

I wasn't able to persist for three months.

{他|tā}{等|děng}{了|le}{足|zú}{足|zú}{一|yī}{个|gè}{上|shàng}{午|wǔ}

He waited for a whole morning.

{此|cǐ}{项|xiàng}{研|yán}{究|jiū}{持|chí}{续|xù}{了|le}{整|zhěng}{整|zhěng}{十|shí}{载|zài}

This research lasted for a full decade.

{他|tā}{在|zài}{那|nà}{个|gè}{位|wèi}{置|zhi}{上|shàng}{坐|zuò}{了|le}{二|èr}{十|shí}{年|nián}

He sat in that position for twenty years.

{我|wǒ}{未|wèi}{曾|céng}{等|děng}{过|guò}{那|nà}{么|me}{久|jiǔ}

I have never waited that long.

{他|tā}{跑|pǎo}{了|le}{一|yī}{个|gè}{马|mǎ}{拉|lā}{松|sōng}{的|de}{时|shí}{间|jiān}

He ran for the duration of a marathon.

間違えやすい

Chinese Time Duration: How Long with 'le' 対 Time Point vs Duration

Learners mix up 'at 3 o'clock' and 'for 3 hours'.

よくある間違い

✗

我学了汉语两小时

✓

我学了两个小时汉语

Duration should be before the object.

✗

我没学了两个小时

✓

我没学两个小时

No 'le' in negative.

✗

我学汉语两个小时

✓

我学汉语学了两个小时

Need to repeat the verb for natural flow.

✗

我跑了步一小时

✓

我跑了一小时步

Placement of duration in compound verbs.

文型パターン

我___了___小时

Real World Usage

Texting constant

我等了你半小时！

Job Interview common

我在那家公司工作了三年。

無料登録してすべての例文を見る

🎯

迷ったら「動詞を繰り返す」のが一番！

目的語をどこに置くか迷ったら、動詞を2回言う「V+O+V+Duration」の形が一番確実で自然に聞こえます。 «我写字写了一个小时。»

⚠️

終わったことに「了」を2回使わないで！

文末の「了」は「今も続いている」というサインです。昨日終わったことに使うと混乱を招きます。 «我昨天学了两个小时。»

💬

「もうこんなに待ったよ！」という強調

文末の「了」を少し強めに言うと、待ちくたびれた時や頑張りをアピールするニュアンスになります。 «我都等了你半天了！»

Smart Tips

Repeat the verb for better flow.

我学了三小时汉语 → 我学汉语学了三小时

発音

le (light)

Neutral tone

The 'le' in this structure is often unstressed.

Statement

我等了三小时↓

Neutral declaration.

暗記しよう

記憶術

Duration is a 'length', so put it right after the 'action' (verb) to measure it.

視覚的連想

Imagine a ruler (duration) being placed directly after a person running (verb) to measure their path.

Rhyme

Verb then time, then add a le, that's how long it came to be.

Story

Xiao Ming ran for an hour. He said: '我跑了一小时'. He was tired but happy. He repeated the verb to be sure: '我跑步跑了一小时'.

Word Web

小时分钟天年久长

チャレンジ

Write 3 sentences about what you did today using duration.

文化メモ

Very common in daily life to report time spent.

Similar usage, but sometimes uses '钟头' for hour.

Influenced by Cantonese, sometimes uses '个字' for 5 minutes.

The 'le' particle evolved from a verb meaning 'to finish'.

会話のきっかけ

“

你昨天学了多久汉语？

“

你等了多久？

日記のテーマ

Describe your study routine.

よくある間違い

Incorrect

正解

Incorrect

正解

Incorrect

正解

Incorrect

正解

Test Yourself

動作が今も続いていることを表すために、空欄を埋めてください。

他学习汉语学习了两年___。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 了

文末に「了」を置くことで、2年前から現在まで動作が継続していることを示します。

「私は8時間寝ました」という正しい文章を選んでください。選択問題

文法的に正しいのはどれ？

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我睡了八个小时。

時間の長さは必ず動詞の後ろに来ます。完了した動作なので「動詞＋了＋時間」の順になります。

この文の間違いを探してください：我看书看了三十分钟了。 Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

もし「もう本を読んでいない」場合、どの単語を消すべきですか？

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 最後の了

文末の「了」を消すと、「30分間読んでいた（今は終わった）」という完了の意味になります。

Score: /3

練習問題

8 exercises

Fill in the blank.

我睡___八小时。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 了

Le marks duration.

Choose the correct sentence. 選択問題

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b

Duration before object.

Fix the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

我没学了两个小时。