长期

• Pinyin: cháng qī
• Hanzi breakdown: 长 = simplified from 長, meaning long; 期 = 其 (its) + 月 (month), meaning a period of time

Meaning

Long-term; long period of time. Referring to an extended duration or something lasting for a considerable time.

Used as both an adjective (长期计划 long-term plan) and an adverb (长期居住 to reside for a long time). The opposite is 短期 (short-term). Common in discussions about planning, health, residence, and relationships.

Examples

1. 学好一门外语需要长期的努力。 Mastering a foreign language requires long-term effort.
2. 他长期在国外工作，很少回家。 He has been working abroad for a long time and rarely comes home.
3. 公司制定了一个长期发展计划。 The company has developed a long-term growth plan.

Usage Guide

Context: planning, work, health

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这是一个长期的过程，不能着急。(This is a long-term process — you can't rush it.)
• 长期锻炼对身体很有好处。(Long-term exercise is very good for your health.)

Don't Say

• 长期三天 (Don't use 长期 with a short specific time — 长期 implies months or years, not days)

Origin & History

Compound of 长 (long) and 期 (period/term), directly meaning 'long period.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal