long hours
ساعات طويلة
Use `long hours` to describe a demanding work schedule that cuts into your personal time.
في 15 ثانية
- Refers to working or studying much longer than the standard time.
- Commonly used with verbs like 'work', 'do', or 'put in'.
- Often implies exhaustion, dedication, or a demanding professional schedule.
المعنى
This phrase describes working or studying for a much longer time than what is considered normal or standard. It usually implies that someone is staying late at the office or pushing themselves past a typical eight-hour day.
أمثلة رئيسية
3 من 6Complaining to a friend
I've been working long hours all week, so I'm staying in tonight.
I've been working long hours all week, so I'm staying in tonight.
A job interview
I am prepared to put in long hours to ensure the project's success.
I am prepared to put in long hours to ensure the project's success.
Describing a difficult profession
Junior doctors often have to work incredibly long hours.
Junior doctors often have to work incredibly long hours.
خلفية ثقافية
In Western corporate culture, 'long hours' are often associated with high-pressure industries like law, finance, and medicine. While historically seen as a sign of dedication, modern discourse often links the phrase to discussions about burnout and the need for better mental health awareness.
Common Collocations
Always try to use 'work' or 'put in' with this phrase. Saying 'I did long hours' is okay, but 'I worked long hours' sounds much more like a native speaker.
Don't use for Hobbies
Native speakers rarely use 'long hours' for things they enjoy, like gaming or painting. It almost always implies effort, duty, or a bit of a struggle.
في 15 ثانية
- Refers to working or studying much longer than the standard time.
- Commonly used with verbs like 'work', 'do', or 'put in'.
- Often implies exhaustion, dedication, or a demanding professional schedule.
What It Means
Long hours refers to the extra time you spend on a task. It is almost always used in the context of work or university. If you say you are 'working long hours,' you mean you start early and finish late. It is not just about being busy. It is about the clock. You are giving up your free time for your job. It often carries a feeling of being tired or dedicated.
How To Use It
You usually pair this phrase with verbs like work, put in, or do. For example, you can say, 'I’ve been working long hours lately.' You can also use it as a noun phrase to describe a job. 'Medicine is a career with long hours.' It fits perfectly when you want to explain why you are exhausted. Use it when you missed that dinner party because of your boss. It sounds natural and very common in daily English.
When To Use It
Use it during job interviews to show you are hardworking. Use it when venting to your spouse about your stressful week. It works well in professional emails to explain a delay. 'Sorry for the late reply, I've been putting in long hours on the project.' It is also great for describing demanding lifestyles like being a new parent or a startup founder. If you are at a bar with friends, it’s the perfect excuse for why you’re yawning at 9 PM.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for short bursts of effort. If you worked hard for only two hours, that is not long hours. Avoid using it for fun activities. You wouldn't say you 'played video games for long hours'—that sounds a bit robotic. Instead, use 'for ages' or 'all day' for hobbies. Also, do not confuse it with 'a long time.' Long hours is specifically about a schedule or a routine of hard work.
Cultural Background
In many English-speaking cultures, especially the US and UK, working long hours is often seen as a 'badge of honor.' People sometimes brag about it to show how important they are. However, there is a growing movement toward 'work-life balance.' Now, people often mention long hours as a complaint rather than a boast. In some corporate cultures, it is simply expected, even if it’s not officially in the contract. It’s the unofficial language of the 'hustle' culture.
Common Variations
You might hear people say they are 'pulling long hours' or 'putting in the hours.' A very common related idiom is 'burning the midnight oil.' If someone works a lot of long hours consistently, they might be called a 'workaholic.' Another variation is 'unsociable hours,' which means working at night or on weekends when everyone else is relaxing. If you are doing this, you definitely deserve a big cup of coffee!
ملاحظات الاستخدام
The phrase is neutral and safe for almost any situation. Just remember that it specifically emphasizes the *duration* of the work rather than the *intensity*.
Common Collocations
Always try to use 'work' or 'put in' with this phrase. Saying 'I did long hours' is okay, but 'I worked long hours' sounds much more like a native speaker.
Don't use for Hobbies
Native speakers rarely use 'long hours' for things they enjoy, like gaming or painting. It almost always implies effort, duty, or a bit of a struggle.
The 'Hustle' Secret
In the US, saying you work 'long hours' is sometimes a way of bragging about how important your job is. It's a subtle 'flex'!
أمثلة
6I've been working long hours all week, so I'm staying in tonight.
I've been working long hours all week, so I'm staying in tonight.
Used here to justify needing rest.
I am prepared to put in long hours to ensure the project's success.
I am prepared to put in long hours to ensure the project's success.
Shows commitment and a strong work ethic.
Junior doctors often have to work incredibly long hours.
Junior doctors often have to work incredibly long hours.
General observation about a specific career path.
Still at the office... another day of long hours! Save me some dinner?
Still at the office... another day of long hours! Save me some dinner?
Informal way to explain being late for a meal.
My cat puts in long hours napping on the sofa.
My cat puts in long hours napping on the sofa.
Sarcastic use of a work-related phrase for something lazy.
The long hours are finally starting to take a toll on my health.
The long hours are finally starting to take a toll on my health.
Serious tone regarding the negative effects of overworking.
اختبر نفسك
Choose the most natural verb to complete the sentence.
If you want to be a partner at this law firm, you'll have to ___ long hours.
The phrasal verb `put in` is the most common collocation used with `long hours` in a professional context.
Complete the sentence to explain why someone is tired.
Sarah is exhausted because she has been ___ long hours at the hospital.
`Working long hours` is the standard way to describe staying late at a job.
🎉 النتيجة: /2
وسائل تعلم بصرية
Formality of 'Long Hours'
Talking to family about being tired.
These long hours are killing me!
Describing a job to a stranger.
It's a good job, but the hours are long.
In a contract or business report.
The position requires the ability to work long hours.
Where to use 'Long Hours'
Job Interview
I'm used to long hours.
Venting to Friends
Sorry I'm late, long hours again.
Medical Field
Nurses work very long hours.
Exam Season
Putting in long hours at the library.
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةGenerally, anything over the standard 8-hour day or 40-hour week. If you're working 10-12 hours a day, you're definitely working long hours.
Yes! It's very common for students to say they are 'putting in long hours at the library' during finals week.
Usually, yes. It implies you have less time for sleep or fun. However, in an interview, it can be positive to show you are a hard worker.
No, 'big hours' sounds incorrect. We always use the adjective long to describe the duration of work time.
It is better to use 'extended hours' or 'flexible schedule' on a resume. Long hours is slightly more conversational.
There isn't a direct opposite like 'short hours.' People usually say they have a '9-to-5' or a 'light workload' instead.
No, it is almost always plural. You wouldn't say 'I worked a long hour.' You would just say 'I worked late.'
They are similar, but overtime usually refers to the extra pay you get. Long hours describes the lifestyle or the time itself.
You can keep it short: 'Another day of long hours 😩.' It's a very common way to complain about work via text.
Yes, it is used exactly the same way in the UK, Australia, and Canada as it is in the US.
عبارات ذات صلة
Burn the midnight oil
To stay up very late working or studying.
Work like a dog
To work very hard for a long period.
Pull an all-nighter
To stay awake all night to finish a task.
9-to-5
A standard, routine office job with normal hours.
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