长久

• Pinyin: cháng jiǔ
• Hanzi breakdown: 长 = long; 久 = derived from 人 (person), meaning long time

Meaning

Long-lasting; enduring; permanent. Describes something that continues for a long period of time.

An adjective emphasizing duration and permanence. Used to describe relationships, situations, plans, or effects that persist over extended periods. Often appears in discussions about sustainability, relationships, and long-term planning. Can carry either positive or negative connotations depending on context.

Examples

1. 信任是维持长久友谊的基础。 Trust is the foundation for maintaining a long-lasting friendship.
2. 这种靠补贴的商业模式不可能长久。 This business model that relies on subsidies cannot last long.
3. 他们的婚姻经历了很多考验，但依然长久稳固。 Their marriage has weathered many tests but remains enduring and stable.

Usage Guide

Context: relationships, business, planning

Tone: reflective

Do Say

• 做生意要考虑长久发展，不能只看眼前利益。(In business, you need to consider long-term development, not just immediate profits.)
• 长久的爱情需要双方共同经营。(A lasting love requires both parties to nurture it together.)

Don't Say

• 不要和'长期'完全混用 (Don't use 长久 and 长期 interchangeably — 长久 emphasizes enduring quality, while 长期 emphasizes a set period of time)

Origin & History

Compound of 长 (long) + 久 (long time, duration). Both characters relate to temporal extension, creating emphasis on lasting duration.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal