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March 24, 2026
久jiǔ(jiu3)
The character 久 (jiǔ) refers to a long duration of time. It is commonly used to describe something that has lasted for a significant period, such as 'a long time ago' or 'for a long time.' This word often conveys a sense of nostalgia or enduring quality when discussing time.
Strokes3Radical丿Frequency#482DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of time is often viewed in relation to history and tradition, making 久 (jiǔ) significant when discussing historical events or family lineage, emphasizing respect for the past.
Memory Tip
Imagine a clock that is stuck at a particular time, representing an endless duration—this is 久 (jiǔ). The character has a radical that resembles a long path, suggesting a journey through time, which helps you remember its pronunciation and meaning.
Meanings of 久
jiǔ(jiu3)
1(long) time
2(long) duration of time
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 久
久Simplified
3Strokes
丿Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#482Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L3HSK 3.0L3ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 久
Podcast: 久
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AI Study Notes for 久
Quick Contrast
长 (cháng) refers to length or duration in a broader sense, while 久 (jiǔ) specifically emphasizes a long duration of time.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a clock that is stuck at a particular time, representing an endless duration—this is 久 (jiǔ). The character has a radical that resembles a long path, suggesting a journey through time, which helps you remember its pronunciation and meaning.
Usage Notes
久 (jiǔ) is often used in both formal and informal contexts but can sound more poetic or nostalgic, especially in phrases like '很久以前' (hěn jiǔ yǐqián - a long time ago). A common mistake is to confuse it with 短 (duǎn - short), so be mindful of the context. Additionally, remember to use the correct tone; jiǔ is pronounced with a falling tone.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 3 word, 久 (jiǔ) connects well with other time-related vocabulary such as 时间 (shíjiān - time) and 以前 (yǐqián - before). Students should focus on using 久 in sentences to describe duration and practice with time expressions.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of time is often viewed in relation to history and tradition, making 久 (jiǔ) significant when discussing historical events or family lineage, emphasizing respect for the past.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 久 by placing it in contexts that imply a short duration, such as saying '我只等了久' (Wǒ zhǐ děngle jiǔ - I only waited a long time), which is incorrect. Instead, they should say '我只等了很短时间' (Wǒ zhǐ děngle hěn duǎn shíjiān - I only waited a short time).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 久
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Grammar Patterns of 久
久 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 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The patterns below break down its most common sentence frames, with example sentences and practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) for each one.
He produced "A Chorus Line", Broadway's longest running show.
9
不久他就成了英格兰最负盛名的年轻画家之一。
bù jiǔ tā jiù chéng le yīng gé lán zuì fù shèng míng de nián qīng huà jiā zhī yī。
He was soon one of the most celebrated young painters in England.
10
奥拉伊奇先生通过结婚而取得在英国的永久居留权。
ào lā yī qí xiān shēng tōng guò jié hūn ér qǔ dé zài yīng guó de yǒng jiǔ jū liú quán。
Mr Olaechea has British residency by virtue of his marriage.
Cultural Notes for 久
💡Did you know?
'久' is often used in Chinese to express not just duration, but also emotional attachment to time, as in phrases like '好久不见' (long time no see), highlighting the importance of relationships.
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of time is often viewed in relation to history and tradition, making 久 (jiǔ) significant when discussing historical events or family lineage, emphasizing respect for the past.
📜Proverb
In Chinese culture, there is a saying, '久而久之' (over a long time), which emphasizes the significance of persistence and patience in achieving goals.
Word Family of 久
Compounds14
疚jiu4chronic disease; guilt, remorse; sorrow
灸jiu3to cauterize; moxibustion
玖jiu3black jade; nine (bankers' anti-fraud numeral)
羑
匛jiu4
奺
杦
汣
畂
畝mu3fields; unit of area equal to 660 sq. m.
畞
粂
羐
镹
Words Containing This Character20
久jiǔ(long) time
多久duōjiǔhow long?
不久bùjiǔsoon
好久hǎojiǔquite a while
长久chángjiǔ(for a) long time長久
不久前not long ago
永久yǒngjiǔeverlasting
持久chíjiǔlasting
前不久qiánbùjiǔnot long ago
已久already a long time
悠久yōujiǔlong (tradition, history etc)
许久for ages許久
久违jiǔwéia long time since we last met久違
久久for a very long time
久等to wait for a long time
永久性permanent
好久不见long time no see好久不見
良久a good while
天长地久tiānchángdìjiǔeternal天長地久
久远old久遠
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 疚 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 久
Common phrases that include 久 (jiǔ) are 久等 (jiǔ děng), meaning 'long wait,' and 久远 (jiǔ yuǎn), meaning 'distant' or 'long-standing.' These phrases help illustrate the concept of duration and are useful in everyday Chinese conversation.
Yes, 久 (jiǔ) is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese. It is a versatile character that appears in various contexts, making it essential for learners to understand its usage across different forms of communication.
久 (jiǔ) means 'long' in terms of time or duration. It can refer to something that has occurred a long time ago or something that lasts for a long time. It is often used in expressions to indicate a lengthy period.
To use 久 (jiǔ) in a sentence, you can say 久等你了 (jiǔ děng nǐ le), which means 'I've waited a long time for you.' It can also be used in phrases like 久违 (jiǔ wé) to express 'long time no see.' Using 久 helps convey the sense of time's duration in various contexts.
You can say '我在这里住了很久' (Wǒ zài zhèlǐ zhùle hěn jiǔ - I have lived here for a long time).
Yes, 久 can be used in both formal and informal situations, but it often carries a more poetic or nostalgic tone.
Yes, it can be combined with other words like '久等' (jiǔ děng - wait a long time) to emphasize duration.
