Translation guide
Expressing that an action or state continues over an extended period. Japanese uses various adverbs and phrases depending on whether the focus is on duration, a long-standing state, or a long-awaited change.
To say that something happens or continues for a long time.
The most common and neutral way to say 'for a long time'. Can be used in both positive and negative sentences.
I'm sorry to have kept you waiting for a long time.
He has been living here for a long time.
Adverbial form of 長い, used with verbs to indicate a long duration. Often used in negative sentences.
I can't stay here for a long time.
I walked for a long time, so I'm tired.
More formal, often used in written or business contexts to mean 'long period'.
It withstands long-term use.
Emphasizes continuity 'all along' or 'the whole time'. Often used with states or ongoing actions.
I've known for a long time.
He kept talking for a long time.
To express that something happens after a long interval or that a long-awaited event occurs.
Used when something happens after a long time since the last occurrence. Often implies a positive reunion or event.
I watched a movie for the first time in a long time.
I met a friend for the first time in a long time.
Means 'finally' or 'at last', emphasizing that the event was long-awaited.
To say that something has not happened for a long time.
Pattern: 長い間 + negative verb. Indicates that an action or state has not occurred for a long time.
I haven't seen him for a long time.
Pattern: 長く + negative verb. Similar to above, often used with potential or stative verbs.
I can't stay here for a long time.
長い間 focuses on the duration of an action or state. 久しぶりに focuses on the interval since the last occurrence, often with a sense of 'after a long time'. Use 久しぶりに when you do something again after a long break.
長い時間 (long time as in hours) is used for concrete time spans, but 長い間 is more natural for general 'for a long time'.
I haven't seen you for a long time.
It took a long time.
Use 長い時間 when referring to clock time.
ようやく春が来た。
Spring has finally come (after a long time).