Long-temps (en. A long time)

lɔ̃ tɑ̃

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

adverb

Indicates an extended or prolonged duration.

It took a long time to complete this project.

Il a fallu longtemps pour terminer ce projet.

Used to express a long interval of time in the past.

I haven't seen Marie for a long time.

Je n'ai pas vu Marie depuis longtemps.

Can refer to a delay before an event occurs.

We have to wait a long time before receiving a response.

Nous devons attendre longtemps avant de recevoir une réponse.

From Old French, combining 'long' and 'temps'.

for a long time

For an extended period.

pendant longtemps

long after

After a long period.

longtemps après

to have for a long time

To have for a certain time.

avoir longtemps

long

Lasting a long time.

long

time

Duration during which something exists or occurs.

temps

Expression used to colloquially signify a long wait.

Waiting for the bus took 'ages' today.

Attendre le bus a pris 'des lustres' aujourd'hui.

Used to exaggerate time, as in 'a century'.

It took me a century to finish this book.

Il m'a fallu un siècle pour finir ce livre.