Meaning
长期 refers to an extended period of time, typically spanning months, years, or even decades. It contrasts with short-term (短期) and emphasizes duration, persistence, or sustained action. It can modify nouns as an adjective or function as a time word indicating 'for a long time.'
Usage
Native speakers use 长期 to describe plans, effects, relationships, or situations that last or are intended to last a considerable time. It commonly appears in formal contexts like business, policy, and academic writing, but is also natural in everyday speech when discussing ongoing commitments or extended timeframes.
Examples
- 01我们需要制定一个长期发展战略。.We need to formulate a long-term development strategy.
- 02长期坚持锻炼对健康很有好处。.Persisting in exercise for a long time is very beneficial to health.
Characters
Common collocations
- 长期以来for a long time, over a long period
- 长期合作long-term cooperation
- 长期投资long-term investment
- 长期计划long-term plan
Antonyms
Origin
Combines 长 (long) with 期 (period/term) to literally mean 'long period.' This transparent compound has been used in modern Chinese to express extended temporal duration.