漫长 describes a duration that feels uncomfortably long or endless.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Describes a duration that feels excessively long.
- Often implies boredom, hardship, or patience.
- Used for both physical time and abstract periods.
Overview
- 1概览：漫长一词由“漫”（到处都是、无边无际）和“长”（时间久）组成。它不仅仅是一个描述长度的形容词，更带有一种情感色彩，通常暗示这段时间因为某种原因（如等待、痛苦、劳累）而显得特别难熬。2) 用法模式：在句子中，“漫长”通常作定语修饰名词（如：漫长的冬夜、漫长的等待），也可以作谓语（如：这个过程非常漫长）。3) 常见语境：它常出现在文学作品中描述季节的更替，或者在日常生活中描述令人疲惫的旅程、排队或人生阶段。例如，人们常用“漫长的岁月”来感叹时光流逝。4) 近义词辨析：“漫长”强调过程的延续感和心理上的长久；“长久”侧重于持久性；“悠长”则带有一种诗意或怀旧的美感，通常不带有“漫长”那种艰苦的负面暗示。
Examples
这真是一段漫长的旅程。
everydayThis was truly a long journey.
经过漫长的谈判，双方终于达成协议。
formalAfter lengthy negotiations, both sides finally reached an agreement.
这节课太漫长了。
informalThis class felt like it lasted forever.
漫长的历史演变塑造了今天的文化。
academicThe long historical evolution shaped today's culture.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
漫长的黑夜
the long dark night
漫长的煎熬
a long period of suffering
漫长的过程
a long process
Often Confused With
悠长 usually has a poetic or nostalgic connotation, often used for sounds or memories, whereas 漫长 focuses on the feeling of being tired or bored.
长久 means 'long-lasting' or 'permanent'. It focuses on the stability of a relationship or state, not the feeling of time passing.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
漫长 is used to describe time periods that feel like they are dragging on. It is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts. Avoid using it for physical objects or distances.
Common Mistakes
Students often use it to describe physical length (e.g., 'a long road'). Always remember it is for time. Some also confuse it with '长久', which implies durability rather than the feeling of duration.
Tips
Focus on the subjective feeling
Use this word when you want to emphasize that time dragged on slowly. It adds a layer of emotional weight to your description.
Do not use for spatial length
Never use 漫长 to describe the length of a road or a rope. Stick to using it strictly for time-related contexts.
Poetic usage in Chinese literature
In literature, this word is often paired with seasons like '漫长的冬天' to evoke a sense of isolation or melancholy.
Word Origin
The character 漫 implies spreading everywhere or overflowing, while 长 means long. Combined, it suggests time that overflows its expected boundary and feels endless.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, patience is a virtue, but '漫长的等待' is often seen as a test of character. It appears frequently in historical dramas to signify the passage of difficult eras.
Memory Tip
Imagine the word 'Man' (漫) walking for a very long time. It feels endless, hence '漫长'.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“很长”是客观描述，不带感情色彩。而“漫长”带有主观感受，暗示这段时间让人觉得难熬或枯燥。
不可以，“漫长”专指时间。描述物体长度应使用“长”或“修长”。
常用于描述等待、冬季、旅途或人生中一段艰难的经历。
它通常是中性词，但多用于描述负面或中性的状态，很少用于赞美。
Test Yourself
经过了___的等待，他终于见到了久违的家人。
“等待”通常需要时间，且此处强调等待过程的难熬，故用“漫长”。
下列哪项最适合用“漫长”来形容？
“漫长”用于时间，“会议”是时间过程，符合语境。
漫长 / 过程 / 是 / 一个 / 学习 / 的
正确的语序是“学习”作为主语，“过程”作为宾语，形容词“漫长的”做定语修饰过程。
Score: /3
Summary
漫长 describes a duration that feels uncomfortably long or endless.
- Describes a duration that feels excessively long.
- Often implies boredom, hardship, or patience.
- Used for both physical time and abstract periods.
Focus on the subjective feeling
Use this word when you want to emphasize that time dragged on slowly. It adds a layer of emotional weight to your description.
Do not use for spatial length
Never use 漫长 to describe the length of a road or a rope. Stick to using it strictly for time-related contexts.
Poetic usage in Chinese literature
In literature, this word is often paired with seasons like '漫长的冬天' to evoke a sense of isolation or melancholy.
Examples
4 of 4这真是一段漫长的旅程。
This was truly a long journey.
经过漫长的谈判，双方终于达成协议。
After lengthy negotiations, both sides finally reached an agreement.
这节课太漫长了。
This class felt like it lasted forever.
漫长的历史演变塑造了今天的文化。
The long historical evolution shaped today's culture.
