Japanese word

長々

Pronunciation

Romajinaganaga

Meaning

  • adverbat length

Example

先生は長々と話しました。sen sei wa naga naga to hana shi ma shi ta

The teacher talked at length.

Illustration for 長々 (at length)

More examples

彼は質問に長々と答えました。kare wa shitsu mon ni naga naga to kota e ma shi ta

He answered the question at length.

Core concept

Shows that an action or state continues for a notably long time, often longer than expected.

Common phrases

  • 長々と話すnaga naga to hana su

    talk at length

  • 長々と答えるnaga naga to kota e ru

    answer at length

  • 長々と書くnaga naga to ka ku

    write at length

  • 長々と続くnaga naga to tsuzu ku

    continue for a long time

Similar words

延々enen: For a very long period without a clear break or end.
くどくどkudokudo: With repeated words or details that make an explanation overly long.
だらだらdaradara: For a prolonged time in a slow and unfocused manner.

Definition in Japanese

時間をかけて、または必要以上に長く続けるさま。ji kan o ka ke te ma ta wa hitsu yō i jō ni naga ku tsuzu ke ru sa ma

Word origin

長々 (naganaga) repeats the adjectival base 長 (naga, "long"), with repetition emphasizing an extended duration.

Usage tips

  • In English, at length can mean either for a long time or in detail, whereas 長々 (naganaga) usually keeps the focus on prolonged continuation.

Other meanings

  • for a long timeadverb
  • in a long-winded wayadverb

Opposites

  • 手短temijikabriefna-adjective

Related words

  • 長々しいnaganagashiilong-windedi-adjective

Word lists with this word