1.
many years; long years; for a long time
A period spanning many years; used to describe something that has continued for a long time.
長年の夢が叶った。
My long-held dream came true.
長年使っている道具だ。
It's a tool I've been using for many years.
長年の経験が役に立った。
Years of experience proved useful.
長年 means "for many years" or "over a long period of years." Emphasizes the accumulated duration.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 長年の夢: a long-held dream
- 長年の経験: many years of experience
- 長年にわたって: over many years
- 長年住んでいる: having lived somewhere for many years
- 長年の努力: years of effort
USAGE:
Can function as both a noun (長年の + noun) and an adverb (長年 + verb). Implies dedication, persistence, or gradual accumulation.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 何年も: for many years (more casual)
- 永年: long years (formal, often in awards: 永年勤続 long service)