学了两年
how long an action lasts
Structure
动词 + 了 + 时长 （+ 宾语） · 动词 + 宾语 + 动词 + 了 + 时长
What it means
Says how long an action lasts. The length of time goes after the verb.
How it is built
Verb + 了 + length (+ object): 我学了两年中文 (I studied Chinese for two years). Or say the verb twice: 学中文学了两年.
When to use it
A second 了 at the end (学了两年了) means it is still going on: “I’ve been studying for two years”. Builds on h2-7 (三个月, not 三月).
Watch out
✗ 半个小时谈了 ✓ 谈了半个小时. With an object, the time goes before the object: ✗ 学了中文两年 ✓ 学了两年中文.
Examples
她在北京住了五年。
She lived in Beijing for five years.
我们谈了半个小时。
We talked for half an hour.
我学了两年中文。
I studied Chinese for two years.
他学中文学了两年了。
He has been learning Chinese for two years.
Learn this in HSK 3 · Lesson 3: 带新人 (Showing the new hire around)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. This lesson is free.
Open the lesson →