多久

• Pinyin: duō jiǔ
• Hanzi breakdown: 多 (duō) — how much, how many; 久 (jiǔ) — long (time)

Meaning

How long (in time). Used to ask about the duration of an action or event.

A question word for time duration. Can ask about past events (你等了多久？) or future plans (你要去多久？). Interchangeable with 多长时间 in most contexts.

Examples

1. 你学中文学了多久了？ How long have you been learning Chinese?
2. 从这里到机场要多久？ How long does it take to get from here to the airport?
3. 你打算在北京住多久？ How long do you plan to stay in Beijing?

Usage Guide

Context: questions, time, planning

Tone: inquisitive

Do Say

• 你来中国多久了？(How long have you been in China?)
• 做这道菜要多久？(How long does it take to make this dish?)

Don't Say

• 不要用'多久'问空间距离 — 多久 is only for time duration. For spatial distance, use 多远 (how far).

Origin & History

Compound of 多 (how much, how) and 久 (long time). Literally 'how long (in duration).'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal