Meaning
延长 means to make something longer in time or space. It commonly refers to extending deadlines, prolonging duration, or lengthening physical objects. The word combines 延 (to extend/delay) and 长 (long), creating the meaning of making something continue longer than originally planned.
Usage
延长 is used in formal and informal contexts when discussing time extensions (延长假期 - extend a vacation), contract renewals, or physical lengthening. It's commonly paired with time words and often appears in business, academic, and administrative settings. Unlike 拖延 (to procrastinate), 延长 is neutral and doesn't imply negativity.
Examples
- 01我需要延长我的签证三个月。.I need to extend my visa for three months.
- 02由于天气原因，比赛延长了半个小时。, .Due to weather reasons, the competition was extended by half an hour.
Characters
Common collocations
- 延长时间to extend the time
- 延长寿命to prolong life
- 延长签证to extend a visa
- 延长线extension cord
Antonyms
Origin
The character 延 originally depicted stretching or extending something, while 长 means long. Together they form a compound meaning to make something longer.