When you want to express that something happened a long time ago, or that something has been going on for a long time, you can use 很久 (hěn jiǔ).
It's a very common and practical word in Chinese conversation.
Think of it as a simple way to talk about extended periods of time.
You can use 很久 (hěn jiǔ) to talk about something that happened a long time ago. For example, if you want to say “a long time ago,” you can say 很久以前 (hěn jiǔ yǐ qián).
You can also use 很久 (hěn jiǔ) to say that something has been happening for a long time or will happen for a long time. For example, to say “for a long time,” you can say 很久了 (hěn jiǔ le).
While 很 (hěn) often means “very” in Chinese, in the context of 很久 (hěn jiǔ), it doesn't intensify “long.” It's just part of the common way to express “a long time” or “for a long time.”
You'll often hear 很久 (hěn jiǔ) in daily conversations when people are discussing past events or the duration of something.
You'll often hear 很久 (hěn jiǔ) when people talk about something that happened a long time ago, or something that lasted for a long time. It literally means "very long."
For example, if you haven't seen a friend in ages, you could say "我们很久没见了" (Wǒmen hěn jiǔ méi jiàn le), meaning "We haven't seen each other for a long time."
It's super useful for expressing duration, like in "他学习中文很久了" (Tā xuéxí Zhōngwén hěn jiǔ le) – "He has been studying Chinese for a long time."
It's straightforward and gets the point across effectively in many situations where you need to refer to a significant stretch of time.
You'll often use 很久 (hěn jiǔ) to talk about something that happened a long time ago, or something that has been happening for a long time.
It's super common in daily conversations. For example, if you haven't seen a friend in ages, you might say, "我们很久没见了 (Wǒmen hěn jiǔ méi jiàn le)." meaning "We haven't seen each other for a long time."
You can also use it to describe an action that takes a long time, like "我等了很久 (Wǒ děng le hěn jiǔ)," which means "I waited for a long time."
Pay attention to the context, and you'll get the hang of whether it means "a long time ago" or "for a long time."
When using 很久 (hěn jiǔ), remember it means "a long time." You can use it to talk about something that happened a long time ago, like in the past. For example, 很久以前 (hěn jiǔ yǐ qián) means "a long time ago." You can also use it to describe an action that lasted for a long duration, such as 很久没见 (hěn jiǔ méi jiàn), meaning "haven't seen for a long time." It often implies that a significant amount of time has passed since an event or action occurred. Pay attention to the context to understand if it refers to a duration or a point in the past.
When using 很久 (hěn jiǔ), it's important to understand its flexibility. It can refer to a long time in the past, a long time in the future, or a duration that has lasted for a considerable period up to the present. The context of your sentence will usually make the meaning clear, but you can also add time markers for precision.
For example, if you say “很久以前” (hěn jiǔ yǐ qián), you are explicitly talking about “a long time ago.” If you say “很久以后” (hěn jiǔ yǐ hòu), you mean “a long time later.”
Without these markers, 很久 often implies a duration up to now. For instance, “我等了很久” (wǒ děng le hěn jiǔ) means “I waited for a long time,” implying the waiting has either just finished or is still ongoing. You will find it commonly used with the particle 了 (le) to indicate completion or change of state, or in sentences describing ongoing actions.
Understanding these nuances will help you use 很久 accurately and naturally in various situations.
很久 in 30 Seconds
- 很久 (hěn jiǔ) means 'a long time.'
- It can refer to a long time in the past or a long duration that continues.
- You'll use this word often when talking about how long something has been happening or how long ago something occurred.
§ What Does 很久 Mean and When Is It Used?
The Chinese word 很久, pronounced hěn jiǔ, is a really common and useful phrase for talking about time. Basically, it means 'a long time'. You can use it to describe something that happened a long time ago, or something that has been going on for a long time. Think of it as a versatile time marker. It's an A1 level word, which means it's one of the first words you'll learn and it's super important to get it right early on.
- DEFINITION
- A long time (ago); for a long time.
Let's break down how people use 很久 in everyday conversations. You'll hear it all the time, so paying attention to these examples will really help you understand its nuances.
§ Talking About the Past
One of the most common ways to use 很久 is to say something happened a long time ago. It's often paired with other words to give more context. For instance, if you want to say you haven't seen someone in a long time, 很久 is your go-to word.
我们很久没见面了。
In this example, the sentence means 'We haven't seen each other for a long time.' The 没 (méi) before 见面 (jiàn miàn, 'meet') indicates the negative, and 很久 specifies the duration of not seeing each other.
那已经是很久以前的事了。
This sentence translates to 'That was a long time ago.' Here, 以前 (yǐ qián) means 'before' or 'ago', and combining it with 很久 makes it clear that it's a very distant past event. You can also use 很久 to describe how long something took to happen.
他等了很久才等到巴士。
This means 'He waited for a long time to get the bus.' The word 才 (cái) here suggests that something only happened after a long wait or effort.
§ Describing Duration
You can also use 很久 to talk about something that has been or will be happening for a long duration. It's not just for past events; it can also refer to present or future situations.
这个项目会持续很久。
This sentence means 'This project will last for a long time.' Here, 持续 (chí xù) means 'to last' or 'to continue'.
他学习中文已经有很久了。
This translates to 'He has been studying Chinese for a long time.' The '了' (le) at the end indicates a change of state or completion, in this case, that the action of studying Chinese has been ongoing for a long duration.
Here are some key takeaways:
- 很久 is a simple yet powerful phrase for expressing 'a long time'.
- It can refer to both past events (a long time ago) and ongoing durations (for a long time).
- Pay attention to the context and surrounding words like 没 (méi) or 以前 (yǐ qián) to fully grasp its meaning in a sentence.
Practicing with these examples will help you get comfortable using 很久 in your own Chinese conversations. Don't overthink it; just use it whenever you want to express a significant amount of time!
Alright, let's talk about some common pitfalls when using 很久 (hěn jiǔ). This word is pretty straightforward, but there are a few places where learners often stumble. Avoid these, and you'll sound much more natural.
§ Don't use 很久 with specific time durations
This is a big one. 很久 (hěn jiǔ) means 'a long time' or 'for a long time' in a general sense. You do NOT use it with specific durations like 'three hours' (三个小时 - sān gè xiǎo shí) or 'five years' (五年 - wǔ nián).
If you want to say 'I waited for three hours', you would say: 我等了三个小时 (Wǒ děng le sān gè xiǎo shí). You would NOT say 我等了很久三个小时 (Wǒ děng le hěn jiǔ sān gè xiǎo shí). That sounds really awkward and incorrect.
他游了两个小时泳。
(Tā yóu le liǎng gè xiǎo shí yǒng.)
He swam for two hours. (Correct)
*他游了很久两个小时泳。
(Tā yóu le hěn jiǔ liǎng gè xiǎo shí yǒng.)
(Incorrect – don't combine 很久 with specific durations.)
§ Overusing it when a specific time frame is better
Sometimes learners use 很久 (hěn jiǔ) out of habit when a more precise time phrase would be better. While not strictly 'wrong,' it can sometimes make your Chinese sound less sophisticated.
- Bad Habit
- Saying '很久以前' (hěn jiǔ yǐ qián - a long time ago) when '几年前' (jǐ nián qián - several years ago) or '上个星期' (shàng gè xīng qī - last week) would be more appropriate for the context.
§ Confusing 'for a long time' with 'often'
很久 (hěn jiǔ) refers to the duration of an action or state. It does not mean 'often' or 'frequently'.
我很很久去咖啡馆。(Wǒ hěn jiǔ qù kā fēi guǎn.) - This is incorrect if you mean 'I often go to the coffee shop.'
If you want to say 'I often go to the coffee shop,' you'd use 经常 (jīng cháng) or 常常 (cháng cháng): 我经常去咖啡馆 (Wǒ jīng cháng qù kā fēi guǎn).
他很久没来了。
(Tā hěn jiǔ méi lái le.)
He hasn't come for a long time. (Correct - duration of not coming)
他常常来我家。
(Tā cháng cháng lái wǒ jiā.)
He often comes to my house. (Correct - frequency)
§ Placement with '了' (le) for completed actions
When talking about an action that has 'lasted for a long time' and is now completed, the particle 了 (le) comes at the end of the sentence or clause indicating completion. You don't put 很久 (hěn jiǔ) after 了 (le).
我等了很久。
(Wǒ děng le hěn jiǔ.)
I waited for a long time. (Correct)
*我等了很久。
(Wǒ děng le hěn jiǔ.)
(Incorrect placement if 了 indicates completion of the entire action; 了 often follows the verb or object in such cases, or at the end of the sentence.)
The structure is generally [Subject] + [Verb] + 了 (le) + [Duration/很久] (hěn jiǔ). The first 了 indicates the action happened, the second (if present) indicates a change of state or completion of the sentence.
- Correct structure
- [Subject] + [Verb] + 了 + 很久 + (Object)
我们说了很久的话。
(Wǒ men shuō le hěn jiǔ de huà.)
We talked for a long time.
By keeping these points in mind, you'll use 很久 (hěn jiǔ) accurately and sound much more like a native speaker. It's a useful word, just make sure you're slotting it into the right places!
§ What '很久' Means
- Definition
- A long time (ago); for a long time.
When you want to say something has been happening for a long time, or that a long time has passed since something, 很久 is your go-to word. It's a very common and versatile term in Chinese. You'll hear it all the time.
我们很久没见面了。(Wǒmen hěn jiǔ méi jiànmiàn le.)
Translation hint: We haven't met for a long time.
他等了很久。(Tā děng le hěn jiǔ.)
Translation hint: He waited for a long time.
§ '很久' vs. Similar Phrases
While 很久 is widely used, Chinese has other ways to express the concept of 'a long time'. Here are a few common ones and how they differ from 很久.
长时间 (cháng shí jiān): This literally means 'long time'. It's more formal than 很久 and often used in written contexts or when being more precise about a duration. You can often use them interchangeably, but 很久 sounds more natural in casual conversation.
我们进行了长时间的讨论。(Wǒmen jìnxíng le cháng shí jiān de tǎolùn.)
Translation hint: We had a long discussion.
好久 (hǎo jiǔ): This is very similar to 很久 and is often used interchangeably, especially in spoken Chinese. 好 reinforces the idea of 'very' or 'quite' a long time, adding a touch more emphasis than 很久. Think of it as 'quite a long time'.
你好久没来了。(Nǐ hǎo jiǔ méi lái le.)
Translation hint: You haven't come for quite a long time.
许久 (xǔ jiǔ): This word also means 'a long time', but it's more literary or archaic. You'll encounter it in older texts or more formal writing, but it's not commonly used in everyday conversation. Stick to 很久 or 好久 for daily chat.
他许久才说了一句话。(Tā xǔ jiǔ cái shuō le yī jù huà.)
Translation hint: He only spoke a sentence after a long time.
§ When to Use '很久'
Use 很久 when you want to express:
A long duration in the past:
我很久以前去过那里。(Wǒ hěn jiǔ yǐqián qù guò nàlǐ.)
Translation hint: I went there a long time ago.
An action or state that has continued for a long time:
他们等了很久才等到巴士。(Tāmen děng le hěn jiǔ cái děng dào bāshì.)
Translation hint: They waited for a long time before the bus arrived.
A long time has passed since an event:
很久了，你还好吗？(Hěn jiǔ le, nǐ hái hǎo ma?)
Translation hint: It's been a long time, how are you?
In most daily conversations, 很久 will be your safest and most natural choice. It's versatile, easy to understand, and widely accepted across all levels of formality, though leaning more towards informal to neutral. Remember, context is always key, but you won't go wrong starting with 很久.
How Formal Is It?
"我们公司与这家供应商保持了长期的合作关系。(Our company has maintained a long-term cooperative relationship with this supplier.)"
"我很久没见到你了。(I haven't seen you for a long time.)"
"好久不见！你最近怎么样？(Long time no see! How have you been recently?)"
"很久很久以前，有一只小兔子。(A long, long time ago, there was a little rabbit.)"
"N/A"
Difficulty Rating
Common characters, simple structure.
Common characters, simple strokes.
Easy to pronounce, common tones.
Distinct sounds, easily recognizable.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
很久 can be used to describe a duration, meaning 'a long time.' It often appears at the beginning of a sentence or after the subject.
我很久没去中国了。(Wǒ hěnjiǔ méi qù Zhōngguó le.) I haven't been to China for a long time.
It can also be used with '以前' (yǐqián) to mean 'a long time ago.'
很久以前，这里是一片森林。(Hěnjiǔ yǐqián, zhèlǐ shì yī piàn sēnlín.) A long time ago, this was a forest.
When used with '了' (le) at the end of a sentence, 很久 can indicate that an action has been ongoing for a long time or that a state has existed for a long time.
他学中文很久了。(Tā xué Zhōngwén hěnjiǔ le.) He has been studying Chinese for a long time.
很久 can also be used in questions to ask about the duration of something.
你等了多久？(Nǐ děng le duōjiǔ?) How long have you waited? (Alternatively, '很久了吗?' [Hěnjiǔ le ma?] Has it been a long time?)
To express that something will happen after a long time, you can use 很久以后 (hěnjiǔ yǐhòu).
很久以后，我才明白他的意思。(Hěnjiǔ yǐhòu, wǒ cái míngbái tā de yìsi.) It was a long time later that I understood what he meant.
Examples by Level
我们很久没见了，你最近过得怎么样？
We haven't seen each other for a long time, how have you been doing recently?
很久 (hěn jiǔ) directly modifies the verb phrase 没见 (méi jiàn) to indicate the duration of not seeing each other.
他很久以前就离开了这个城市。
He left this city a long time ago.
很久以前 (hěn jiǔ yǐqián) functions as an adverbial phrase indicating a past time.
这个问题困扰我很久了。
This problem has bothered me for a long time.
很久 (hěn jiǔ) follows the verb 困扰 (kùnrǎo) and indicates the duration of the action.
我等了你很久，你终于来了。
I waited for you for a long time, and you finally arrived.
很久 (hěn jiǔ) follows the verb 等 (děng) to express the duration of waiting.
这双鞋我已经穿了很久，该换新的了。
I've been wearing these shoes for a long time, it's time to get new ones.
很久 (hěn jiǔ) follows the verb 穿 (chuān) to indicate how long the shoes have been worn.
我们很久没有一起旅行了，计划一下吧。
We haven't traveled together for a long time, let's make a plan.
很久 (hěn jiǔ) is used after 没 (méi) to indicate the duration of not doing something.
这个秘密我保守了很久，现在可以告诉你了。
I've kept this secret for a long time, now I can tell you.
很久 (hěn jiǔ) follows the verb 保守 (bǎoshǒu) to show the duration of keeping a secret.
她很久以前就对中国文化产生了浓厚的兴趣。
She developed a strong interest in Chinese culture a long time ago.
很久以前 (hěn jiǔ yǐqián) emphasizes a point in the distant past when the interest began.
我们很久没见了，你最近怎么样？
We haven't seen each other for a long time, how have you been recently?
很久 modifies the verb '没见' (haven't seen).
这个项目我准备了很久，希望能成功。
I've been preparing for this project for a long time, hoping it succeeds.
很久 modifies the verb '准备' (prepared).
他站在窗前，很久都没有说话。
He stood by the window and didn't speak for a long time.
很久 modifies the verb phrase '没有说话' (didn't speak).
这家餐厅的味道，我很久都没有尝过了。
I haven't tasted the flavor of this restaurant for a long time.
很久 modifies the verb phrase '没有尝过' (haven't tasted).
这个问题困扰了我很久，终于解决了。
This problem has bothered me for a long time, and it's finally solved.
很久 modifies the verb '困扰' (bothered).
我很久以前来过这里，变化真大。
I came here a long time ago, the changes are really big.
很久以前 means 'a long time ago'.
他沉默了很久，才慢慢开口。
He was silent for a long time before slowly opening his mouth.
很久 modifies the verb '沉默' (silent).
我等了你很久，你终于来了。
I've waited for you for a long time, and you're finally here.
很久 modifies the verb '等' (waited).
我很久没有见到你了，你最近怎么样？
I haven't seen you for a long time, how have you been lately?
很久没有 (hěn jiǔ méi yǒu) + verb structure indicates 'have not [verb] for a long time'.
这本书我已经看了很久，还没看完。
I've been reading this book for a long time, and I still haven't finished it.
“看了很久” (kàn le hěn jiǔ) uses the 'le' particle after the verb to indicate the action has been ongoing for a period.
他很久以前就告诉我了，但我一直没在意。
He told me a long time ago, but I never paid attention.
很久以前 (hěn jiǔ yǐ qián) means 'a long time ago'.
我们很久没联系了，是时候打个电话了。
We haven't been in touch for a long time, it's time to make a call.
很久没联系 (hěn jiǔ méi lián xì) is similar to 很久没有见到你了 in structure.
这栋房子建了很久，终于快完工了。
This house has been under construction for a long time, and it's finally almost finished.
建了很久 (jiàn le hěn jiǔ) describes an action that has been ongoing.
很久以来，人们就梦想着飞上太空。
For a long time, people have dreamed of flying into space.
很久以来 (hěn jiǔ yǐ lái) means 'for a long time (up until now)'.
她很久没有弹钢琴了，手艺有些生疏了。
She hasn't played the piano for a long time, so her skills are a bit rusty.
很久没有 + verb is a common pattern.
这个问题困扰了我很久，终于解决了。
This problem bothered me for a long time, and it's finally solved.
困扰了很久 (kùn rǎo le hěn jiǔ) indicates a state that lasted for a long time.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
我们很久没见了。
We haven't seen each other for a long time.
我等了你很久。
I waited for you for a long time.
那已经是很久以前的事了。
That was already a long time ago.
他很久才回来。
He came back after a long time.
这事发生在很久以前。
This happened a long time ago.
我认识他很久了。
I've known him for a long time.
她思考了很久。
She thought for a long time.
很久没有下雨了。
It hasn't rained for a long time.
他走了很久。
He walked for a long time.
我很久没有吃火锅了。
I haven't eaten hot pot for a long time.
Grammar Patterns
Sentence Patterns
很久 + time word/phrase
很久以前 (A long time ago)
Subject + 很久 + Verb
我很久没去中国了。(I haven't been to China for a long time.)
很久 + Adj
他很久不见了。(He hasn't been seen for a long time.)
Subject + Verb + 很久 + 了
我们等了很久了。(We've been waiting for a long time.)
很久 + 没 + Verb + 了
我很久没吃饺子了。(I haven't eaten dumplings for a long time.)
A + 很久 + 以前
很久以前有一个国王。(A long time ago there was a king.)
自从 + S + V + 以来 + 很久 + 都 + 没有 + V + 了
自从他来了以后，很久都没有下雨了。(Since he arrived, it hasn't rained for a long time.)
很久 + 没 + 有 + V + (过)
我很久没有见过他了。(I haven't seen him for a long time.)
Word Family
Nouns
How to Use It
Use 很久 (hěn jiǔ) to talk about a long duration of time. It can refer to a long time in the past or a long time that something has been happening. It's often used with verbs that express duration or a state of being.
A common mistake is confusing 很久 with other time expressions. For example, while both can express a long time, 很久 focuses on the duration, whereas expressions like 以前 (yǐ qián - before) or 很久以前 (hěn jiǔ yǐ qián - a long time ago) specifically place an event in the distant past.
Another mistake is using 很久 directly as a subject or object without proper sentence structure. Remember it modifies verbs or predicates related to time.
Don't confuse 很久 (hěn jiǔ) with just 很长 (hěn cháng). While both use 很 (hěn - very) and imply 'long', 长 (cháng) typically refers to length in space, whereas 久 (jiǔ) refers to length in time. So, a long river is 很长的河 (hěn cháng de hé), but a long time is 很久 (hěn jiǔ).
Tips
Basic use of 很久
The most common way to use 很久 (hěn jiǔ) is to say 'a long time' or 'for a long time'. You'll often see it at the beginning or end of a sentence.
很久 with past events
When talking about something that happened a long time ago, you can use 很久以前 (hěn jiǔ yǐ qián). 以前 (yǐ qián) means 'before' or 'ago'.
很久 for duration
To express 'for a long time' regarding how long something has been happening, 很久 works well. It often precedes the verb or verb phrase.
Negating 很久
To say 'not for a long time' or 'not very long', you can use 没多久 (méi duō jiǔ) or 不久 (bù jiǔ). While you can say 不很久 (bù hěn jiǔ), it's less common.
Questioning 'how long?'
To ask 'how long?', you can use 多久 (duō jiǔ). This is a direct question about duration.
很久 and the particle 了 (le)
When 很久 refers to a completed action or a state that has been ongoing for a while, you'll often see the particle 了 (le) at the end of the sentence. This indicates a change of state or completion.
Using 很久 with 'not seen'
A very common phrase is 很久没见 (hěn jiǔ méi jiàn), meaning 'long time no see'. It's a friendly greeting.
Placement of 很久
很久 can often be placed before the verb or at the end of the sentence, depending on what you want to emphasize. Experiment with both to get a feel for it.
Pronunciation practice
Pay attention to the tones: hěn (3rd tone) jiǔ (3rd tone). When two third tones are together, the first one often changes to a second tone in natural speech, sounding like 'henn jiu'.
Context is key
Like many time expressions, the exact nuance of 很久 can depend on the context of the sentence. Listen to how native speakers use it in different situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYou can use 很久 to describe something that happened a long time ago, or something that has been happening for a long time. For example, you can say:
- 我很久没见到你了。 (Wǒ hěn jiǔ méi jiàn dào nǐ le.) - I haven't seen you for a long time.
- 这个房子建了很久。 (Zhège fángzi jiànle hěn jiǔ.) - This house was built a long time ago.
Yes, 很久 can be used with both past and present actions. For past actions, it means 'a long time ago'. For present actions (often with '了' at the end of the sentence), it means 'for a long time' and implies the action is still ongoing or has just finished. Look at these examples:
- 他很久以前来过这里。 (Tā hěn jiǔ yǐqián láiguò zhèlǐ.) - He came here a long time ago. (Past)
- 他很久没回家了。 (Tā hěn jiǔ méi huí jiā le.) - He hasn't gone home for a long time. (Present, implying he still hasn't gone home)
很久 can mean 'a long time' or 'for a long time'. 很久以前 specifically means 'a long time ago'. So, 很久以前 is more specific about being in the past. Here's how:
- 我等了很久。 (Wǒ děngle hěn jiǔ.) - I waited for a long time. (Could be past or current waiting)
- 很久以前，这里有一座城堡。 (Hěn jiǔ yǐqián, zhèlǐ yǒu yī zuò chéngbǎo.) - A long time ago, there was a castle here. (Definitely past)
While listed as a 'noun' in some contexts for its meaning, in practice, 很久 functions more like an adverbial phrase modifying verbs or time expressions, indicating duration or a point in the distant past. It tells us 'how long' or 'when'. For example:
- 我们很久没见面了。 (Wǒmen hěn jiǔ méi jiànmiàn le.) - We haven't met for a long time. (Modifies '没见面')
No, 很久 is used for duration of time, not physical length. To say 'very long' for a physical object, you would use 很长 (hěn cháng). For example:
- 这条河很长。 (Zhè tiáo hé hěn cháng.) - This river is very long.
- 我们很久没见面了。 (Wǒmen hěn jiǔ méi jiànmiàn le.) - We haven't met for a long time.
You can ask how long something has been happening or how long ago something happened using 多长时间 (duō cháng shíjiān) or simply by asking 'How long?' when the context is clear. 很久 would then be part of the answer. You generally don't directly ask '很久?' but rather:
- 你学中文多久了？ (Nǐ xué Zhōngwén duō jiǔ le?) - How long have you been learning Chinese? (Answer: 我学中文很久了。 - I've been learning Chinese for a long time.)
Not always. It can be neutral, simply stating a fact about duration. However, in contexts like '很久没见面了' (haven't met for a long time), there's often an implicit feeling of missing someone or something. It depends on the context.
- 她等了很久，终于等到你了。 (Tā děngle hěn jiǔ, zhōngyú děngdào nǐ le.) - She waited for a long time and finally waited for you. (Neutral, but with a sense of relief)
Yes, 很久 can be used at the beginning of a sentence, especially when talking about something that happened a long time ago. For instance:
- 很久以前，有一个国王。 (Hěn jiǔ yǐqián, yǒu yī gè guówáng.) - A long time ago, there was a king.
Here are a few common phrases:
- 很久以前 (hěn jiǔ yǐqián): a long time ago
- 很久以后 (hěn jiǔ yǐhòu): a long time later
- 很久没见 (hěn jiǔ méi jiàn): haven't seen for a long time
- 等了很久 (děngle hěn jiǔ): waited for a long time
While 很久 is already quite concise, in very informal speech, people might just use 很久 (hěn jiǔ) without additional particles like '了' when the meaning is clear from context, but it's not a different word. There isn't a universally accepted shorter synonym that carries the exact same weight and common usage. Stick with 很久; it's very common and understood.
Test Yourself 114 questions
我 ___ 没见到你了。
This sentence means 'I haven't seen you for a long time.' '很久' (hěn jiǔ) means 'a long time.'
她喜欢听歌，听了 ___。
This sentence means 'She likes listening to music and has listened for a long time.' '很久' (hěn jiǔ) fits here.
我们 ___ 没去公园了。
This sentence means 'We haven't been to the park for a long time.' '很久' (hěn jiǔ) is the correct choice.
这个故事发生___ 以前。
This sentence means 'This story happened a long time ago.' '很久' (hěn jiǔ) means 'a long time (ago)'.
他工作了___才回家。
This sentence means 'He worked for a long time before going home.' '很久' (hěn jiǔ) indicates a long duration.
我等了你___。
This sentence means 'I waited for you for a long time.' '很久' (hěn jiǔ) correctly describes the duration of waiting.
Choose the correct translation for '很久'.
'很久' means 'a long time'.
Which sentence uses '很久' correctly?
'很久' is used to describe an action or state that has lasted for a long period.
What is the opposite of '很久'?
'很久' means 'a long time', so its opposite is 'a short while'.
The sentence '我们很久没见了。' (Wǒmen hěn jiǔ méi jiàn le.) means 'We haven't seen each other for a long time.'
'很久' combined with '没见' indicates not seeing someone for a long duration.
'很久' can be used to describe something that happened a long time ago.
'很久' can mean 'a long time ago' as well as 'for a long time'. For example, '很久以前' (hěn jiǔ yǐqián) means 'a long time ago'.
It is correct to say '我很久吃完饭了。' (Wǒ hěn jiǔ chī wán fàn le.) to mean 'I finished eating a long time ago.'
While '很久' means 'a long time', '吃完饭了' describes a completed action. To say 'I finished eating a long time ago,' you would typically use '很久以前我就吃完饭了' (Hěn jiǔ yǐqián wǒ jiù chī wán fàn le) or '我早就吃完饭了' (Wǒ zǎo jiù chī wán fàn le). The given sentence sounds unnatural.
You haven't been to China for a long time.
I knew him a long time ago.
He has been studying Chinese for a long time.
Read this aloud:
很久不见！
Focus: hěn jiǔ bú jiàn
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
你来中国很久了吗？
Focus: nǐ lái zhōng guó hěn jiǔ le ma?
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
我等了很久。
Focus: wǒ děng le hěn jiǔ.
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Choose the correct sentence: (Which sentence uses 很久 correctly?)
"很久" describes duration. "他很久没睡觉了" means "He hasn't slept for a long time," which is a correct use. The other options use "很久" incorrectly with adjectives.
Which of the following phrases correctly uses "很久" to mean 'a long time ago'?
“很久以前” (hěn jiǔ yǐ qián) means 'a long time ago.' The other options are grammatically incorrect for expressing past time.
Fill in the blank: 我___没吃中国菜了。 (I haven't eaten Chinese food for a long time.)
"很久" (hěn jiǔ) means 'for a long time,' which fits the context of 'haven't eaten for a long time.' "一直" means 'always,' "常常" means 'often,' and "马上" means 'immediately.'
The sentence "他很久不开心" means "He is not happy for a long time."
Yes, "很久" (hěn jiǔ) means 'for a long time,' and "不开心" (bù kāixīn) means 'not happy.' So the sentence means 'He is not happy for a long time.'
"很久" can be used to describe something that will happen in the near future.
"很久" (hěn jiǔ) refers to a long duration in the past or present, or 'a long time ago.' It is not used for the near future.
The sentence "这部电影很久了" means "This movie is old."
Yes, when referring to an object like a movie, "很久了" implies it has been around for a long time, meaning it's old.
Were you waiting for a long time?
I haven't seen you for a long time.
We were classmates a long time ago.
Read this aloud:
你学中文多久了？
Focus: 很久 (hěn jiǔ)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
我很久没去中国了。
Focus: 很久 (hěn jiǔ)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
他是一个很久没回家的旅行者。
Focus: 很久 (hěn jiǔ)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
The correct order is 'Subject + 很久 + 没有 + Verb + (Object) + 了' to express 'I haven't done something for a long time.'
The structure '很久以前' means 'a long time ago.'
The structure 'Subject + Verb + Object + 很久 + 了' indicates that the action has been happening for a long time.
Choose the correct translation for the underlined part: 我已经很久没有见到他了。
很久 (hěn jiǔ) means 'for a long time' in this context, combined with '没有见到' (méi yǒu jiàn dào) which means 'haven't seen'.
Which sentence correctly uses '很久' to mean 'a long time ago'?
很久以前 (hěn jiǔ yǐ qián) directly translates to 'a long time ago'.
Fill in the blank: 我们是___没见面了。
The sentence implies a long period of not seeing each other, making '很久' (a long time) the appropriate choice.
The sentence '他很久以前就知道了' means 'He knew it for a long time.'
'很久以前就知道了' means 'He knew it a long time ago', referring to an event in the past, not an ongoing state.
'很久' can only be used to refer to a past event.
'很久' can also describe a duration, for example, '我很久没有去中国了' (I haven't been to China for a long time).
The sentence '我们很久没有联系了' means 'We haven't been in touch for a long time.'
'很久没有联系' directly translates to 'haven't been in touch for a long time'.
This means 'I haven't seen you for a long time.'
This means 'He has lived in China for a long time.'
This means 'This story happened a long time ago.'
Read this aloud:
你很久没给我打电话了。
Focus: 很久 (hěn jiǔ)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
我们很久没一起吃饭了。
Focus: 很久 (hěn jiǔ)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
很久以前，这里有一座大山。
Focus: 很久以前 (hěn jiǔ yǐ qián)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This sentence means 'We haven't seen each other for a long time.' The correct order is Subject + 很久 + 没 + Verb + 了.
This sentence means 'She has worked here for a long time.' The structure is Subject + 在 + Place + Verb + 了 + 很久.
This sentence means 'I've been waiting for him for a long time.' The structure is Subject + 等 + Object + 了 + 很久 + 的.
她___没有回家了，我想她应该很想念她的家人。
The sentence implies a prolonged absence, making '很久' (a long time) the most suitable choice.
我们___没见了，你最近过得怎么样？
The phrase '没见了' indicates that it has been a long time since they last met, so '很久' fits perfectly.
这部电影我___以前就看过了，它的情节非常吸引人。
The context '以前就看过了' (already watched before) signifies that a considerable amount of time has passed, thus '很久' is the correct answer.
自从他出国以后，我们___没有联系了。
The sentence implies a lack of contact for an extended period since he went abroad, so '很久' is appropriate.
这座老房子___没有人居住了，显得有些荒凉。
The phrase '没有人居住了' (no one has lived there) for a '老房子' (old house) suggests a long duration of emptiness, making '很久' the best fit.
我们讨论这个问题___了，还是没有达成共识。
The context '还是没有达成共识' (still haven't reached a consensus) implies that the discussion has been ongoing for a long time, thus '很久' is the correct choice.
Choose the most appropriate response: 你上次见到他是什么时候？
“很久以前了” is the correct way to express 'a long time ago'. The other options are grammatically incorrect or nonsensical in this context.
Which sentence correctly uses '很久' to mean 'for a long time'?
“我们很久没见面了” means 'We haven't met for a long time,' which correctly uses '很久' to indicate duration. The other sentences use '很久' incorrectly.
If someone says '我等了你很久', what do they mean?
“我等了你很久” directly translates to 'I waited for you for a long time,' indicating the duration of waiting.
The sentence '他很久以前住在北京。' means 'He lived in Beijing for a long time.'
“他很久以前住在北京” means 'He lived in Beijing a long time ago.' To express 'He lived in Beijing for a long time,' you would say '他已经在北京住了很久。'
You can use '很久' to describe how long an action has been happening, like '她学中文学了很久。'
“她学中文学了很久” correctly uses '很久' to indicate that she has been studying Chinese for a long time. This is a common structure for expressing duration of an ongoing action.
It is grammatically correct to say '很久的书' to mean 'an old book'.
You would typically say '一本旧书' (an old book) or '一本很久以前的书' (a book from a long time ago). '很久的书' is not a natural way to express 'an old book' in Chinese.
Imagine you're catching up with an old friend you haven't seen in a long time. Write a short message (30-50 characters) expressing how long it's been and your happiness to reconnect. Use 很久.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
好久不见！很高兴能再见到你。
Describe a place you haven't visited for a long time. What do you remember about it, and why haven't you been back? (50-80 characters). Use 很久.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我很久没去我家乡的公园了。我还记得那里的湖和树。因为工作太忙，我一直没时间回去。
You are writing a diary entry about a skill you've been practicing for a long time. What is the skill, and what progress have you made? (40-70 characters). Use 很久.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我很久以来一直在练习书法。虽然进步很慢，但我现在可以写出一些好看的字了。
小明为什么感到不开心？
Read this passage:
小明最近常常感到不开心。他说他很久没有出去旅行了，觉得生活很无聊。他的朋友建议他去爬山，换个环境放松一下。
小明为什么感到不开心？
文章中明确提到“他说他很久没有出去旅行了，觉得生活很无聊”，所以他感到不开心是因为很久没有旅行。
文章中明确提到“他说他很久没有出去旅行了，觉得生活很无聊”，所以他感到不开心是因为很久没有旅行。
根据这段话，作者对这家餐厅的哪个方面感到好奇？
Read this passage:
这家餐厅的味道很好，但是我已经很久没有来过了。上次来的时候，服务员还送了我们一份甜点。不知道现在还有没有。
根据这段话，作者对这家餐厅的哪个方面感到好奇？
作者提到“上次来的时候，服务员还送了我们一份甜点。不知道现在还有没有”，表明他对甜点是否还在提供感到好奇。
作者提到“上次来的时候，服务员还送了我们一份甜点。不知道现在还有没有”，表明他对甜点是否还在提供感到好奇。
作者和大学同学们的关系如何？
Read this passage:
自从毕业以后，我和大学同学们很久没有见面了。虽然我们常常在网上聊天，但还是希望能找个时间一起吃个饭，好好叙叙旧。
作者和大学同学们的关系如何？
文章中提到“自从毕业以后，我和大学同学们很久没有见面了。虽然我们常常在网上聊天”，所以他们很久没见面但仍保持线上联系。
文章中提到“自从毕业以后，我和大学同学们很久没有见面了。虽然我们常常在网上聊天”，所以他们很久没见面但仍保持线上联系。
This sentence means 'We've known each other for a long time.' The order follows a common Chinese sentence structure.
This sentence translates to 'He hasn't been home for a long time.' '很久没' is a common construction meaning 'hasn't... for a long time.'
This means 'She has been waiting for you for a long time.' The word order is subject-verb-object-duration.
她___没有回家了，家人都很担心。
Here, '很久' means 'for a long time' and fits the context of someone not returning home for an extended period, causing worry.
我们___没见了，你最近过得怎么样？
'很久没见' is a common phrase meaning 'haven't seen each other for a long time'.
这家老店___以前就很有名了，现在依然很受欢迎。
'很久以前' means 'a long time ago', which is appropriate for describing a store that has been famous for a long time.
他思考了___，才决定了下一步的计划。
To 'think for a long time' is expressed by '思考了很久'.
我等了___，火车才姗姗来迟。
'等了很久' means 'waited for a long time', fitting the context of a delayed train.
这个传说流传了___，至今仍被人们津津乐道。
'流传了很久' means 'has been passed down for a long time', which suits the idea of an old legend still being talked about.
Choose the most appropriate meaning for "很久" in the following sentence: 他们很久以前是邻居。
In this context, 很久以前 (hěn jiǔ yǐ qián) specifically means 'a long time ago', indicating a past state.
Which of the following phrases is synonymous with "很久" when referring to duration?
好长时间 (hǎo cháng shí jiān) directly translates to 'a good long time', making it a synonym for 很久 in terms of duration.
Complete the sentence with the most suitable option: 我已经等了你___。
The sentence implies waiting for a significant period, making 很久 (a long time) the most fitting choice.
The sentence "这部电影很久没上映了" means 'This movie hasn't been released for a long time.'
很久没 (hěn jiǔ méi) followed by a verb indicates that an action has not happened for a long time.
You can use "很久" interchangeably with "马上" (immediately).
很久 means 'a long time' while 马上 means 'immediately' or 'very soon'. They are antonyms in terms of duration.
"很久不见" is a common greeting that means 'Long time no see.'
很久不见 (hěn jiǔ bú jiàn) is a standard and widely used phrase to express 'long time no see' in Chinese.
Ask if someone hasn't been home for a long time.
Mention having seen someone a long time ago.
Talk about not having eaten together for a long time.
Read this aloud:
你有没有很久没去旅行了？
Focus: 很久
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
我很久以前学过中文。
Focus: 以前
You said:
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Read this aloud:
我们很久没见了。
Focus: 没见
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Describe a personal experience where something took 'a long time'. Use '很久' at least once in your response.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我学中文很久了，但是感觉进步还是很慢。为了能说一口流利的中文，我每天都会练习听力和口语，这个过程虽然漫长，但我相信总有一天会成功的。
Imagine you are catching up with an old friend. Write a short dialogue where one person mentions not having seen the other for 'a long time'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
A: 哎呀，王明！我们很久没见了吧？ B: 是啊，自从毕业以后就没怎么联系了。你最近怎么样？
Write a short paragraph about something you've been waiting for 'a long time'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我很久以前就开始期待我的下一次旅行了。虽然计划了很多次，但总是因为各种原因没能成行。我希望这次能顺利实现，去看看我一直想去的地方。
根据短文，'他'为什么很久没去那个地方？
Read this passage:
他很久以前就听说过那个地方，一直想去看看。但是由于工作忙碌，他一直没有机会。最近，他终于请到了年假，决定踏上这段期待已久的旅程。
根据短文，'他'为什么很久没去那个地方？
短文明确提到“由于工作忙碌，他一直没有机会”。
短文明确提到“由于工作忙碌，他一直没有机会”。
小李和妻子多久没回家乡了？
Read this passage:
小李和他的妻子很久没回家乡看望父母了。他们每次打电话，父母都会问他们什么时候回来。这次他们特意请了假，准备给父母一个惊喜。
小李和妻子多久没回家乡了？
短文开头就说了“小李和他的妻子很久没回家乡看望父母了”。
短文开头就说了“小李和他的妻子很久没回家乡看望父母了”。
作者重新看这部电影的原因是什么？
Read this passage:
这部电影我很久以前就看过了，但是最近又重新看了一遍，发现了很多以前没有注意到的细节。每次看都有不同的感受。
作者重新看这部电影的原因是什么？
短文提到“发现了很多以前没有注意到的细节”，表明这是他重新看的原因。
短文提到“发现了很多以前没有注意到的细节”，表明这是他重新看的原因。
她___地凝视着窗外，仿佛在追忆着什么。
此句描述她长久地凝视窗外，'很久'在此处用作副词，表示时间长。
这部电影的拍摄耗时___，精雕细琢，力求完美。
电影拍摄耗时很长，'很久'准确表达了时间长度。
我们___没有见面了，真想念你。
表达了长时间未见面的意思，'很久'是正确的选择。
___以前，这里还是一片荒芜之地。
表示时间久远，'很久以前'是常用搭配。
他___才意识到自己犯了一个严重的错误。
表示他用了很长时间才意识到错误，'很久'符合语境。
这个传统习俗已经延续___了，至今仍在传承。
说明这个习俗延续了很长时间，'很久'表达了时间的长度。
Focus on the duration of not meeting.
Pay attention to what hasn't been observed for a long time.
Consider how long the waiting period was.
Read this aloud:
你觉得一个习惯的养成需要很久吗？
Focus: 很久 (hěn jiǔ)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
自从上次聚会，我们很久没联系了。
Focus: 很久没联系 (hěn jiǔ méi lián xì)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
他沉默了很久，仿佛在思考什么。
Focus: 沉默了很久 (chén mò le hěn jiǔ)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
/ 114 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
很久 (hěn jiǔ) is a practical phrase for indicating a long duration in Chinese.
- 很久 (hěn jiǔ) means 'a long time.'
- It can refer to a long time in the past or a long duration that continues.
- You'll use this word often when talking about how long something has been happening or how long ago something occurred.
Basic use of 很久
The most common way to use 很久 (hěn jiǔ) is to say 'a long time' or 'for a long time'. You'll often see it at the beginning or end of a sentence.
很久 with past events
When talking about something that happened a long time ago, you can use 很久以前 (hěn jiǔ yǐ qián). 以前 (yǐ qián) means 'before' or 'ago'.
很久 for duration
To express 'for a long time' regarding how long something has been happening, 很久 works well. It often precedes the verb or verb phrase.
Negating 很久
To say 'not for a long time' or 'not very long', you can use 没多久 (méi duō jiǔ) or 不久 (bù jiǔ). While you can say 不很久 (bù hěn jiǔ), it's less common.
