久

• Pinyin: jiǔ
• Hanzi breakdown: 久 = a pictographic character depicting a person propped up over a long time; one of the earliest characters for temporal duration

Meaning

Long (in time); for a long time. Describes a duration of time that is extended.

Only refers to duration of time, never to physical length. Common expressions include 好久 (a long time), 很久以前 (a long time ago), 多久 (how long), and 久等了 (sorry for the long wait). Often paired with 没 to express 'haven't done something for a long time.'

Examples

1. 好久不见，你最近怎么样？ Long time no see — how have you been?
2. 我等了很久，他还没来。 I've waited a long time and he still hasn't come.
3. 这个问题我想了很久。 I've thought about this question for a long time.

Usage Guide

Context: time, everyday, greetings

Tone: conversational

Do Say

• 好久不见！(Long time no see!)
• 你在这里住了多久了？(How long have you lived here?)

Don't Say

• 这条河很久。(Don't use 久 for physical length — it only describes time. For a long river, say 这条河很长.)

Origin & History

An ancient character originally depicting a person being supported or propped up for a long time. It has referred to long duration since the earliest Chinese texts.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal