B1 Expression 중립 2분 분량

你学了多久了?

How long studied?

직역: You learned (for) how long (already)?

Use this to show interest in someone's skills or hobbies while keeping the conversation flowing naturally.

15초 만에

  • Asks for the duration of an ongoing activity or study.
  • Uses double 'le' to show the action is still continuing.
  • Essential for small talk about hobbies, languages, or skills.

This is the go-to question for asking someone about the duration of their hobby, skill, or study. It specifically asks how much time has passed since they started and implies they are still doing it.

주요 예문

3 / 6
1

Meeting a fellow language learner

你的中文真好,你学了多久了?

Your Chinese is great, how long have you been studying?

🤝
2

In a professional meeting about a project

王先生,这个技术你学了多久了?

Mr. Wang, how long have you been studying this technology?

💼
3

Texting a friend who just started guitar

吉他学了多久了?弹一首听听!

How long have you been learning guitar? Play a song for me!

😊
🌍

문화적 배경

This phrase reflects the Chinese value of 'perseverance' (chiku). By asking about duration, you are acknowledging the effort someone has invested. It is the most common follow-up question after someone realizes you are learning Chinese.

💡

The 'Double Le' Magic

Remember the second 'le' at the end! Without it, you are asking how long they studied in the past (but stopped). With it, you mean they are still doing it.

💬

The Modesty Trap

When you ask a Chinese person this, they might say 'just a little while' (没多久) even if it's been 10 years. It's not a lie; it's just being humble!

15초 만에

  • Asks for the duration of an ongoing activity or study.
  • Uses double 'le' to show the action is still continuing.
  • Essential for small talk about hobbies, languages, or skills.

What It Means

This phrase is the bread and butter of small talk in China. It uses the double le structure to show an ongoing action. The first le marks the action as completed to a point. The second le at the end means it is still happening right now. It is like saying, "How long has it been since you started?"

How To Use It

You can drop this into almost any conversation about skills. Just put the verb after (xué) if you want to be specific. For example, 学中文 (xué zhōng wén) means studying Chinese. If the context is already clear, just say the phrase as is. It is punchy, direct, and very common. Don't worry about complex grammar here. Just focus on the flow of the le sounds.

When To Use It

Use it when you meet someone with a cool skill. Maybe they play the guitar at a party. Or perhaps they speak your native language surprisingly well. It is a great way to show genuine interest in their journey. Use it at networking events to break the ice. Use it with friends when they start a new gym routine. It works perfectly in person or over text.

When NOT To Use It

Avoid using this for things that are one-time events. You wouldn't use it for "How long did it take to eat?" That is a different structure. Also, be careful with the tone. If someone is struggling with a task, asking this might sound a bit sarcastic. Like you are implying they should be better by now. Keep your face friendly and your voice curious!

Cultural Background

In Chinese culture, asking about time spent on a craft shows respect. It acknowledges the "Kung Fu" (hard work over time) someone has put in. People often answer with a bit of "mianzi" (face) by being humble. They might say "not long" even if it has been years. It is a social dance of curiosity and modesty. It is a bridge-builder in most social circles.

Common Variations

You can swap (study) for other verbs easily. Try (zuò) for "doing" a job. Or (zhù) for "living" in a city. 你在这里住了多久了? (How long have you lived here?). The structure is a Swiss Army knife for your Chinese. Master this one pattern and you unlock a hundred questions. It is the ultimate conversation starter for any expat or traveler.

사용 참고사항

This is a neutral-register phrase suitable for almost any social situation. The key 'gotcha' is ensuring you include the final particle 'le' if the person is still currently engaged in the activity.

💡

The 'Double Le' Magic

Remember the second 'le' at the end! Without it, you are asking how long they studied in the past (but stopped). With it, you mean they are still doing it.

💬

The Modesty Trap

When you ask a Chinese person this, they might say 'just a little while' (没多久) even if it's been 10 years. It's not a lie; it's just being humble!

⚠️

Don't forget the 'Duo Jiu'

Make sure to say 'duō jiǔ' (how long) and not 'shén me shí hòu' (when). One asks for duration, the other asks for a specific start date.

예시

6
#1 Meeting a fellow language learner
🤝

你的中文真好,你学了多久了?

Your Chinese is great, how long have you been studying?

A classic compliment followed by the question.

#2 In a professional meeting about a project
💼

王先生,这个技术你学了多久了?

Mr. Wang, how long have you been studying this technology?

Shows respect for a colleague's expertise.

#3 Texting a friend who just started guitar
😊

吉他学了多久了?弹一首听听!

How long have you been learning guitar? Play a song for me!

Casual and encouraging between friends.

#4 A bit of humor with a friend who is a 'forever student'
😄

你学开车学了多久了?还没拿到执照吗?

How long have you been learning to drive? Still no license?

Teasing a friend about their slow progress.

#5 Talking to a child about their piano lessons
🤝

小朋友,你学钢琴学了多久了?

Little friend, how long have you been learning piano?

Warm and encouraging toward a younger person.

#6 Deep conversation about a life passion
💭

画画你学了多久了?你的画很有感情。

How long have you studied painting? Your art is so emotional.

Connecting on a deeper level through their hobby.

셀프 테스트

Complete the sentence to ask how long someone has been studying English.

英语你___多久了?

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: 学了

The verb '学' (xué) specifically means to study or learn.

Choose the correct particle to end the sentence for an ongoing action.

你学了三年___。

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답:

The final '了' (le) indicates that the three years of study are still continuing into the present.

🎉 점수: /2

시각 학습 자료

Formality of '你学了多久了?'

Casual

Used with friends or peers.

学多久了?

Neutral

Standard way to ask anyone.

你学了多久了?

Formal

Polite version for elders/bosses.

您学了多长时间了?

When to ask 'How long?'

你学了多久了?
🗣️

Language Exchange

Asking a partner about their English.

💪

Gym/Sports

Asking a coach about their training.

🎹

Music Class

Asking a classmate about piano.

🍳

Dinner Party

Asking the host about their cooking skills.

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

The first follows the verb to show that the action of learning has already taken place over a period of time.

The final is a modal particle indicating a change of state or that the action is continuing up to the present moment.

Yes, but change the verb to (zuò). Say 你做这份工作多久了? to ask how long someone has been in their role.

Not at all! It is considered a friendly and polite way to show interest in someone's life or skills.

You can say 我学了两年了 (I've learned for two years) or 没多久 (Not long) if you want to be humble.

They both mean 'how long.' 多久 is slightly more casual and common in spoken Chinese, while 多长时间 is a bit more formal.

Absolutely. Just say 你在这里住了多久了? (How long have you lived here?). It follows the exact same logic.

In China, learning a language is seen as a major feat of discipline. People are genuinely curious about your dedication!

Yes, in spoken Chinese, it is perfectly fine. You don't always need the final , but adding it makes you sound much more native.

If you are talking to a very senior professor or an elderly person, use 您学了多久了? to show extra respect.

관련 표현

学得怎么样?

How is the learning going?

什么时候开始的?

When did you start?

很有意思吧?

It's very interesting, right?

还在学吗?

Are you still learning?

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