Translation guide
The adverb 'lengthily' describes doing something in a long, drawn-out, or overly detailed manner. In Japanese, this concept is usually expressed through adverbs, adverbial phrases, or mimetic words that convey 'at length,' 'in detail,' or 'tediously long.'
To describe an action that takes a long time, often with a nuance of being tedious or unnecessarily prolonged.
The most common and natural way to say 'lengthily' when referring to speaking, writing, or explaining at great length, often with a negative nuance of being too long.
彼は会議で長々と話した。
He spoke lengthily at the meeting.
Sorry for explaining so lengthily.
Implies doing something in a long, drawn-out, and often lazy or monotonous way. Used for speeches, meetings, or actions that drag on.
会議がだらだらと続いた。
The meeting continued lengthily.
Means 'endlessly' or 'interminably,' emphasizing that something goes on for an excessively long time. Often used in written or formal contexts.
彼は延々と自分の意見を述べた。
He stated his opinion lengthily.
Specifically means 'tediously' or 'repetitively,' often used for complaining or explaining in an annoyingly long-winded way.
彼はくどくどと文句を言った。
He complained lengthily.
To describe explaining, writing, or discussing something with thorough detail, without necessarily a negative connotation.
The standard way to say 'in detail' or 'at length.' Neutral and widely used.
その問題について詳しく話してください。
Please talk about the issue lengthily (in detail).
Means 'minutely' or 'in great detail,' often used when recounting events or describing something meticulously.
彼はその日の出来事を事細かに語った。
He recounted the day's events lengthily.
A literary or formal expression meaning 'in full detail' or 'thoroughly.' Often used in written narratives.
To describe something that is physically long or extended in space, though this usage is uncommon in English and even rarer in Japanese.
Simply means 'long' as an adverb. Can be used for physical length, but 'lengthily' in English is rarely used this way.
彼は長く伸びた草を刈った。
He cut the grass that had grown lengthily.
Do not try to translate 'lengthily' as a single Japanese adverb in all cases. Japanese often uses adverbial phrases or mimetic words that match the specific nuance (tedious, detailed, endless). Using 長く (nagaku) for 'lengthily' in the sense of time will sound unnatural.
Both can translate 'lengthily' for prolonged actions, but 長々と focuses on excessive length (often in speech or writing), while だらだらと emphasizes lack of energy or monotony. 長々と is more neutral and widely applicable.
彼はその状況をつぶさに観察した。
He observed the situation lengthily (thoroughly).