bấy lâu

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bấy lâu

Bấy lâu nay tôi vẫn giữ cuốn sách này trên kệ.

Definition
  1. Adverb:
    • For so long, since that long: Indicates a period of time extending from a point in the past up to the present moment, emphasizing the considerable duration of that period.
Usage
  • "Bấy lâu" is used to describe a state or action that has been ongoing for a very long time up to now. It often carries a nuance of feeling that the duration has been extensive or even too long. It is commonly used in both spoken and written Vietnamese, often in slightly literary or emotional contexts.
  • It typically modifies verbs or entire clauses to emphasize the length of time.
Usage Examples
  • Adverb:
    • Chờ đợi bấy lâu, cuối cùng anh ấy cũng trở về. (Having waited for so long, he finally returned.)
    • Bấy lâu tôi vẫn tin tưởng vào cô ấy. (For so long, I have still trusted her.)
    • Công sức bấy lâu nay của anh đã được đền đáp. (Your efforts for all this time have now been rewarded.)
Advanced Usage
  • "Bấy lâu nay": This is a common reinforced form, where "nay" (now) is added to make "for all this time until now" even more explicit.
    • Bấy lâu nay anh sống ở đâu? (Where have you been living all this time?)
  • "Bấy lâu mới...": A structure used to express that after a very long wait, something finally happens. It often implies rarity or preciousness.
    • Bấy lâu mới được gặp lại bạn cũ. (It's been so long since I last met an old friend. / I finally got to meet an old friend after so long.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Lâu nay (adv): Lately, for a while now. (Less emphatic on the extreme length compared to "bấy lâu").
  • Bao lâu (interrogative phrase): How long? (Used to ask about duration).
  • Đã lâu (phrase): For a long time (has been). (Describes a state that started long ago).
Synonyms
  • Lâu rồi: For a long time already.
  • Từ lâu: For a long time, since long ago.
Notes on Different Meanings
  • "Bấy lâu" primarily functions as a temporal adverb. It does not have other distinct parts of speech or meanings. Its core function is to emphasize a long, continuous period leading to the present.
Related Idioms and Phrases
  • Bấy lâu săn sóc: Having taken care (of someone/thing) for so long.
    • Công ơn bấy lâu săn sóc của mẹ, con không bao giờ quên. (I will never forget the grace of your care for so long, Mother.)
  • Bấy lâu đợi chờ: Having waited for so long.
    • Mối tình bấy lâu đợi chờ. (A love that has been waiting for so long.)
bấy lâu

Bấy lâu nay tôi vẫn giữ cuốn sách này trên kệ.

  1. For so long, since that long
    • chờ đợi bấy lâu
      To wait for so long
    • bấy lâu mới được một dịp
      for so long, there has not been such an opportunity