adverb / time expression HSK 2
a long time · for a long time · long (duration)
Meaning
很久 is a time expression meaning 'a long time' or 'for a long time.' It combines 很 (very) with 久 (long in duration) to emphasize an extended period. It's commonly used to describe actions or states that have lasted or will last a considerable amount of time.
Usage
Native speakers use 很久 both before and after verbs. It often appears with 了 to indicate something has been true for a long time (很久了), or with 没 to say you haven't done something in a long time (很久没...). Common in both spoken and written Mandarin across all registers.
Examples
- 01我们很久没见面了。.We haven't seen each other in a long time.
- 02他在这里住了很久。.He has lived here for a long time.
Characters
Common collocations
- 很久以前a long time ago
- 很久没见haven't seen (someone) in a long time
- 很久了it's been a long time
- 等了很久waited for a long time
Antonyms
Origin
Combination of the intensifier 很 and the time word 久, which has been used since classical Chinese to mean 'long-lasting.'