Meanings of 长
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About 长
Podcast: 长
Podcast: 长
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AI Study Notes for 长
长 (cháng) vs 长久 (chángjiǔ) — use 长 (cháng) for physical length or general duration, while 长久 (chángjiǔ) specifically emphasizes a long-lasting state or permanence.
Learners often confuse 长 with 短 (duǎn), which means 'short.' Additionally, while 长 can be used in both formal and informal contexts, using it in a business setting to refer to someone in a leadership role ('chief') might require more formality. Be cautious with the tone; the third tone of 长 is often pronounced incorrectly.
As an HSK Level 2 word, 长 connects well with other basic adjectives and verbs. Focus on practicing its usage in sentences that describe physical objects or periods of time, as well as in phrases indicating age or rank.
A common error is to use 长 to mean 'tall' when referring to people; instead, use 高 (gāo) for height. For example, saying '他很长' (tā hěn cháng) to mean 'He is tall' is incorrect; it should be '他很高' (tā hěn gāo).
Pronunciation of 长
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Etymology of 长
Pictograph of a person with long hair. The simplified character 长 was adapted from the cursive form of the traditional character 長.
Simplified form of 長; an old man with long hair and a cane
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 长
Pictograph of a person with long hair. The simplified character 长 was adapted from the cursive form of the traditional character 長.
- 1The giveawaySimplified form of 長; an old man with long hair and a cane
- 2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 长? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 长
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How to say length in Chinese
“length” in Chinese is长
The character 长 (cháng) primarily means 'long' in terms of physical length but also conveys a sense of duration or continuity, such as in 'long-lasting' or 'forever.' It can also refer to someone who is older or a chief, indicating leadership or superiority in a given context.
When to use 长
Learners often confuse 长 with 短 (duǎn), which means 'short.' Additionally, while 长 can be used in both formal and informal contexts, using it in a business setting to refer to someone in a leadership role ('chief') might require more formality. Be cautious with the tone; the third tone of 长 is often pronounced incorrectly.
长 or something close to it
长 (cháng) vs 长久 (chángjiǔ) — use 长 (cháng) for physical length or general duration, while 长久 (chángjiǔ) specifically emphasizes a long-lasting state or permanence.
What learners get wrong
A common error is to use 长 to mean 'tall' when referring to people; instead, use 高 (gāo) for height. For example, saying '他很长' (tā hěn cháng) to mean 'He is tall' is incorrect; it should be '他很高' (tā hěn gāo).
Write 长
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Practice writing 长 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 长
长 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 13 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
我们要向班____学习。
We should learn from the class president.
Example Sentences for 长 (15)
Word Family of 长
Compound Meaning
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Frequently Asked Questions about 长
长 is pronounced as 'cháng' with a rising tone. Practice saying it while emphasizing the 'ch' sound.
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