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March 24, 2026
漫长(漫長)màncháng(man4chang2)
漫长 (màncháng) refers to an extremely long duration of time, often conveying a sense of endlessness or a feeling of time dragging on. It is commonly used to describe periods that feel tedious or unending, such as waiting for something or enduring a long journey.
Strokes18Frequency#4675DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of time often emphasizes patience and endurance, making 漫长 a fitting descriptor for experiences like waiting for exams or significant life events. This reflects a cultural value of resilience in the face of long waits or challenges.
Memory Tip
Imagine standing in line for a theme park ride that seems to stretch on forever. The '漫' (màn) part looks like a flowing river, symbolizing the endless flow of time, while '长' (cháng) means long, reminding you of the long wait ahead. Together, they create the picture of a seemingly endless wait.
Meanings of 漫长
màncháng(man4chang2)
1very long
2endless
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About 漫长
漫长Simplified
漫長Traditional
18Strokes
—Radical
名形词xíngróngcíadj-noun (adj.-n.)Part of Speech
#4675Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 漫长
Podcast: 漫长
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AI Study Notes for 漫长
Quick Contrast
漫长 (màncháng) vs 长 (cháng) — use 漫长 for a sense of tediousness or endlessness, while 长 simply denotes length without the same emotional weight.
Usage Notes
This term is often used in both written and spoken Mandarin, but it can lean towards a more formal context. Be careful not to confuse it with similar words like '长' (cháng), which simply means 'long'. Common collocations include '漫长的等待' (an endless wait) or '漫长的旅程' (an endless journey).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 漫长 is useful for expressing complex emotions related to time. Students should focus on its usage in literary contexts and learn related expressions, such as '漫长的岁月' (long years) to enhance their vocabulary.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 漫长 incorrectly by pairing it with words that suggest brevity, such as '短' (short). For instance, saying '漫长的时间很短' (the endless time is short) is incorrect; instead, use '漫长的时间' for an appropriate description of duration.
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Pronunciation of 漫长
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漫长 (màncháng) refers to an extremely long duration of time, often conveying a sense of endlessness or a feeling of time dragging on. It is commonly used to describe periods that feel tedious or unending, such as waiting for something or enduring a long journey.
When to use 漫长
This term is often used in both written and spoken Mandarin, but it can lean towards a more formal context. Be careful not to confuse it with similar words like '长' (cháng), which simply means 'long'. Common collocations include '漫长的等待' (an endless wait) or '漫长的旅程' (an endless journey).
漫长 or something close to it
漫长 (màncháng) vs 长 (cháng) — use 漫长 for a sense of tediousness or endlessness, while 长 simply denotes length without the same emotional weight.
What learners get wrong
Learners often use 漫长 incorrectly by pairing it with words that suggest brevity, such as '短' (short). For instance, saying '漫长的时间很短' (the endless time is short) is incorrect; instead, use '漫长的时间' for an appropriate description of duration.
Write 漫长
漫
长
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Grammar Patterns of 漫长
漫长 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 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.
