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好久
hǎo jiǔ
a long time
我们好久没见了。
We haven't seen each other in a long time.
informal
A long period of time; used to express that something hasn't happened for a while.
我好久没吃火锅了。
I haven't eaten hotpot in a long time.
他好久没联系我了。
He hasn't contacted me in a long time.
Often used to express nostalgia or surprise at how much time has passed.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Usage
好久 is often used with negative verbs (e.g., 没吃, 没联系) to express that something hasn't happened for a long time.
Gold Rule
Tone Sensitivity
The third tone in 好久 (hǎo jiǔ) is crucial; mispronouncing it as hǎo jiū (first tone) can change the meaning.
Word Origin
Combination of 好 (hǎo, good) and 久 (jiǔ, long time), emphasizing a positive or notable duration.
Usage Notes
Can be used as an adjective or adverb depending on context. Often paired with negative constructions (e.g., 没 + verb) to indicate absence of an action for a long time.
Word Breakdown
好
good
root久
long time
root汉英词典