多久
duōjiǔ
The English phrase "how long" (referring to a duration of time) is translated into Chinese as 多久 (duōjiǔ).
多久 is used to ask about the duration of an event or a period of time. In a sentence, it can be placed either after the verb or at the end of the sentence. You may also see the phrase 多久了 used informally to mean "how long already?" or "how long has it been?" Additionally, the phrase 多久没见 is used to mean "how long since we last met?" or "how long haven't we seen each other?"
Meaning: how long (length of time) (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 多久 is composed of 多 (duō), meaning 'much' or 'many' and 久 (jiǔ), meaning 'a long time'.
Which one should you use?
Use 多久 (duōjiǔ) to ask about the duration of time. If you want to ask about physical length or distance, use the related form 多长 (duōcháng).
Is it said differently in some regions?
The phrase 多长时间啊 is more commonly used in northern China, especially in Beijing and the surrounding areas.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
While 多久 is a common way to ask about time, 多长时间 (duō cháng shíjiān) serves as a more formal or explicit alternative for the same purpose.
How do you pronounce it?
duōjiǔ
Did you know?
- The word 久 (jiǔ) is a homophone for the word for 'nine'. Because nine is associated with longevity and eternity, the sound of 久 is often used in puns to wish someone a long and happy life.
- The character 久 (jiǔ) is not just a measurement of time, but it also carries the connotation of 'lasting' or 'enduring'. In many contexts, it implies a sense of permanence or a state that continues for a significant period.
- When using 多久 in an emotional context, such as 多久没见 (how long since we met), the phrase often acts as a greeting of warmth rather than a literal request for a time measurement.
Examples in context
- 他走多久了？How long has he been walking?This sentence shows how to use 多久 to ask about the duration of an action.Tatoeba #3575629 by elenachang, translation #9735398 by AlanF_US
- 會議持續多久？How long will the meeting last?This sentence shows how to use 多久 to ask about the duration of an event.Tatoeba #6064678 by verdastelo9604, translation #2542096 by CK
- 你等我多久了？How long have you been waiting for me?This sentence shows how to use 多久 to ask about the duration of a state.Tatoeba #10258961 by GlossaMatik, translation #37614 by CK
- 你在这里等了多长时间？How long have you been waiting here?
- 你学中文多久了？How long have you been learning Chinese?
- 我们多久没见面了？How long has it been since we last met?
- 这家餐厅开了多久了呢？How long has this restaurant been open?
- 114 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
浩然 and 梓涵 are talking about a movie at the cinema.
- 浩然 Haoran這部電影要看多久？Zhè bù diànyǐng yào kàn duōjiǔ?How long will this movie take to watch?
- 梓涵 Zihan大約兩個小時。Dàyuē liǎng gè xiǎoshí.About two hours.
- 浩然 Haoran我們要等多久才能進去？Wǒmen yào děng duōjiǔ cáinéng jìnqù?How long do we have to wait to go in?
- 梓涵 Zihan馬上就可以進去了。Mǎshàng jiù kěyǐ jìnqù le.We can go in right away.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “how long” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
