長(なが)らく

ながらく

adverb

for a long time; for many years

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(なが)らくお待(ま)たせしました。

Thank you for waiting so long. (Sorry to have kept you waiting.)

長(なが)らくご愛顧(あいこ)いただき、ありがとうございます。

Thank you for your long patronage.

長(なが)らく営業(えいぎょう)してまいりましたが、今月(こんげつ)末(まつ)をもちまして閉店(へいてん)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(なが)らく is a formal adverb, often used in polite 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(なが)らくお待(ま)たせしました (sorry to have kept you waiting)
長(なが)らくご愛顧(あいこ)いただき (thank you for your long patronage)
長(なが)らくお世話(せわ)になりました (thank you for your support over the years)

Similar words

長(なが)らく: for a long time (formal, polite)
長(なが)い間(あいだ): for a long time (neutral, everyday)
ずっと: all along, the whole time (casual, emphasizes continuity)

Related Words

Compare: ずっと (all along, the whole time)

general

Added 2026.3.2 16:49 · Revised 2026.10.7 10:31

14500/14592_nagaraku