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    Chinese Grammar

    Asking "how long" with 多久 (duōjiǔ) for elapsed time

    HSK 3
    Questions
    Time Expressions

    Structure

    Subject + Verb + 了 + 多久

    Explanation

    多久 (duōjiǔ) can ask about how much time has passed since something happened. This usage focuses on the elapsed time between a past event and the present moment.

    Examples

    • 你离开北京多久了？

      Nǐ líkāi Běijīng duōjiǔ le?

      How long have you been away from Beijing?

    • 他出国多久了？

      Tā chūguó duōjiǔ le?

      How long has he been abroad?

    • 你们分开多久了？

      Nǐmen fēnkāi duōjiǔ le?

      How long have you two been apart?

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