1.
long; extended
Prefix (native Japanese reading) indicating length in time or space.
長袖のシャツを着た。
I wore a long-sleeved shirt.
長 + 袖 = long sleeves
長年の夢が叶った。
My long-held dream came true.
長 + 年 = many years
長話はやめましょう。
Let's not have a long chat.
長 + 話 = long talk
長〜 is the native Japanese (kun'yomi) prefix form meaning 'long.'
COMMON COMPOUNDS (長〜):
- 長袖 (long sleeves)
- 長靴 (boots; long shoes)
- 長年 (many years; long years)
- 長話 (long talk; lengthy conversation)
- 長旅 (long journey)
- 長生き (long life; longevity)
- 長持ち (durability; lasting long)
SINO-JAPANESE PREFIX:
長〜 is the on'yomi reading used in different compounds:
- 長期 (long-term)
- 長所 (strong point)
- 長距離 (long distance)
The {なが}〜 reading tends to be used with native Japanese words, while {ちょう}〜 pairs with Sino-Japanese words.