长 (cháng) - long & length

长Tone 2

cháng ｜ 4 strokes ｜ radical: 长

悦丈

长 · cháng

long;

length;

lasting;

to grow;

to increase;

strong point;

proficiency;

chief;

head;

elder

longlengthlasting

Usage highlights

Long timeLong distanceTo grow upSpecialty/strong pointChief/headElder brother

Synonyms

  • 久— long (duration)
  • 远— long (distance)
  • 增长— to grow/increase

Antonyms

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • This river is very long (长河).
  • The child is growing quickly (孩子长得很快).
  • He is good at mathematics (他擅长数学).
  • She is the company director (公司董事长).

Collocations

  • Long time(长时间)
  • Long distance(长途)
  • To grow up(长大)
  • Specialty/strong point(长处)
  • Chief/head(首长)
  • Elder brother(长兄)

Idioms

  • A long night brings many dreams(夜长梦多)
  • Draw out to cut short(取长补短)
  • Long-winded and tedious(长篇大论)
  • Long-lasting friendship(情谊深长)
  • A long rope to draw water from a deep well(绠短汲深)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Represents positive qualities of longevity, growth, and excellence in Chinese culture.
  • Associated with leadership and seniority in traditional family and social structures.
  • The character appears in many auspicious phrases wishing for long life and prosperity.

FAQ