久

• 拼音: jiǔ
• 汉字拆解: 久 = a pictographic character depicting a person propped up over a long time; one of the earliest characters for temporal duration

含义

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.'

例句

1. 好久不见，你最近怎么样？
2. 我等了很久，他还没来。
3. 这个问题我想了很久。

用法指南

语境: time, everyday, greetings

语气: conversational

正确说法

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

错误说法

• 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.)

起源与历史

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.

文化背景

世代: All ages

社会背景: Universal