1.
for a long time; for a long while; for many years
An adverb indicating that something has continued for a long period. Slightly formal and polite in tone, often used when acknowledging someone's patience or long-standing relationship.
長らくお待たせしました。
Thank you for waiting so long. (Sorry to have kept you waiting.)
長らくご愛顧いただき、ありがとうございます。
Thank you for your long patronage.
長らく営業してまいりましたが、今月末をもちまして閉店いたします。
We have been in business for a long time, but we will be closing at the end of this month.
USAGE:
長らく is a formal, polite adverb often used in set phrases expressing gratitude or apology for something that has lasted a long time. It is very common in customer service, business, and ceremonial language.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 長らくお待たせしました (sorry to have kept you waiting)
- 長らくご愛顧いただき (thank you for your long patronage)
- 長らくお世話になりました (thank you for your support over the years)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 長らく: for a long time (formal, polite)
- 長い間: for a long time (neutral, everyday)
- ずっと: all along, the whole time (casual, emphasizes continuity)