时段＋之久
for as long as; for all of (a long time)
Structure
动词 ＋ （了） ＋ （长达） 时段 ＋ 之久
What it means
After a length of time, 之久 stresses that it was long: it is the writer's comment, not just a measurement.
How it is built
Verb (+了) + (长达) + duration + 之久, usually ending the clause: 谈判持续了十年之久 (the talks dragged on for ten years); 长达十年之久.
When to use it
Written: news and features. In speech say 整整十年 or 十年那么久. A short span works if it feels long: 掌声长达五分钟之久.
Watch out
Only for a time felt to be long, so never with 才 or 只: ✗只等了五分钟之久 ✓只等了五分钟. Nothing goes between the duration and 之久.
Examples
辛追在地下沉睡了两千一百多年之久。
Xin Zhui slept underground for more than 2,100 years.
这场雨断断续续下了一个月之久，河水都快漫过堤了。
The rain came and went for a whole month, and the river nearly topped its banks.
两国的谈判前后持续了十年之久，才终于签了协议。
The talks between the two countries dragged on for ten years before an agreement was finally signed.
Learn this in Lesson 175 · HSK 7–9: 马王堆 (The tombs of Mawangdui)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
Open the lesson →