持久

• Pinyin: chí jiǔ
• Hanzi breakdown: 持 = to hold/maintain; 久 = long time. Together: long-lasting.

Meaning

Lasting; enduring; long-lasting. Able to continue for a long time.

Describes something that maintains its state or effect over a long period. Used for relationships, effects, conflicts, or any sustained phenomenon.

Examples

1. 真正的友谊应该是持久的。 True friendship should be enduring.
2. 这种香水的香味非常持久。 The fragrance of this perfume is very long-lasting.
3. 企业的成功需要持久的努力。 Business success requires sustained effort.

Usage Guide

Context: relationships, effects, business

Tone: positive

Do Say

• 我们要建立持久的合作关系。(We need to establish a lasting cooperative relationship.)
• 持久战需要充足的准备。(A prolonged war requires adequate preparation.)

Don't Say

• 这个瞬间很持久 (Contradictory — 瞬间 is momentary, opposite of 持久)

Origin & History

Compound of 持 (maintain) and 久 (long time). Together they describe maintaining something for a long duration.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal