1.
protracted war; long-drawn-out battle; long haul
A prolonged conflict, competition, or effort that extends over a long period. Used both for actual military conflicts and figuratively for any extended struggle or effort.
長期戦を覚悟する。
To brace oneself for a long fight.
この裁判は長期戦になりそうだ。
This trial looks like it will be a long battle.
就職活動は長期戦になることもあるので、体調管理が大切だ。
Job hunting can become a long haul, so taking care of your health is important.
A compound of 長期 (long-term) + 戦 (war, battle). Used both literally for military conflicts and figuratively for any extended struggle.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 長期戦を覚悟する: to brace for a long fight
- 長期戦に持ち込む: to drag into a long battle
- 長期戦に備える: to prepare for a protracted struggle
- 長期戦になる: to turn into a long haul
USAGE:
Common in sports, business, law, and medicine. Often used for job hunting, legal disputes, illness recovery, and competitive situations.
CONTRAST:
短期決戦 (quick decisive battle) is the opposite — a strategy of winning quickly rather than enduring a long fight.