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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'for a long time' with 良久 (liángjiǔ)

    Degree & Intensity
    Time Expressions

    Structure

    Verb + 良久

    Explanation

    The adverb 良久 (liángjiǔ) means 'for a long time' or 'for quite a while.' It is a literary expression typically used in written or formal Chinese to describe a prolonged pause or duration. It often appears after a verb or at the end of a clause.

    Examples

    • 他沉思良久，终于开口说话了。

      Tā chénsī liángjiǔ, zhōngyú kāikǒu shuōhuà le.

      He pondered for a long time before finally speaking up.

    • 两人对视良久，谁也没有先说话。

      Liǎng rén duìshì liángjiǔ, shéi yě méiyǒu xiān shuōhuà.

      The two gazed at each other for a long time, and neither spoke first.

    • 她犹豫良久，最后还是决定去了。

      Tā yóuyù liángjiǔ, zuìhòu háishì juédìng qù le.

      She hesitated for a long time but finally decided to go.

    Similar Grammar

    Expressing 'for a long time' with 良久 (liángjiǔ) | Chinese Grammar