長(なが)〜

長(なが)〜 is the native Japanese (kun'yomi) prefix form meaning 'long.'

COMPOUNDS (長(なが)〜):

• 長袖(ながそで) (long sleeves)
• 長靴(ながぐつ) (boots; long shoes)
• 長年(ながねん) (many years; long years)
• 長話(ながばなし) (long talk; lengthy conversation)
• 長旅(ながたび) (long journey)
• 長生(ながい)き (long life; longevity)
• 長持(ながも)ち (durability; lasting long)

Pronunciation

長(ちょう)〜 is the on'yomi reading used in different compounds:

• 長期(ちょうき) (long-term)
• 長所(ちょうしょ) (strong point)
• 長距離(ちょうきょり) (long distance)

The なが〜 reading tends to be used with native Japanese words, while ちょう〜 pairs with Sino-Japanese words.