Meaning
好久 is a common time expression meaning 'a long time' or 'for a long time'. It emphasizes duration and is typically used to express that a considerable amount of time has passed. The word combines 好 (very, quite) with 久 (long time) to intensify the sense of duration.
Usage
Native speakers frequently use 好久 in conversational settings, especially in the greeting 好久不见 (long time no see). It appears in statements about past events (好久没...) or future expectations (要等好久). It's informal and common in daily speech, carrying a slightly subjective feeling that the time felt long to the speaker.
Examples
- 01好久不见！你最近怎么样？! ?Long time no see! How have you been lately?
- 02我好久没吃火锅了，今天我们去吃吧。, .I haven't had hotpot in a long time, let's go eat it today.
Characters
Common collocations
- 好久不见long time no see
- 好久没......haven't... for a long time
- 等了好久waited for a long time
- 好久以前a long time ago
Antonyms
Origin
The combination uses 好 as an intensifier (similar to 'quite' or 'very') rather than in its primary meaning of 'good'. This intensifying use of 好 is common in Mandarin time and degree expressions.