Definition

Adverb (informal, colloquial): For a very long time; since a long time ago; for ages. This word emphasizes an extended, often indefinite, period of time that has passed.

Usage

• "Khươm năm" is used to describe a state or action that started in the distant past and continues to the present, or an event that happened a very long time ago. It carries a strong colloquial tone and is common in spoken Vietnamese.
• It often conveys a sense of something being old, outdated, or having been established for a considerable duration.

Examples

• (I have been using this computer for ages.)
• (Those two have known each other for a very long time.)
• (That happened ages ago, who still remembers?)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase can be used for emphasis, sometimes with a hint of complaint or nostalgia about the length of time.
  • Anh ấy hứa sửa cái cửa khươm năm mà vẫn chưa thấy động tĩnh gì. (He promised to fix the door ages ago but there's still no sign of any action.)

Variants and Related Words

• Từ lâu: (Adverbial phrase) For a long time. This is the standard, neutral equivalent.
• Đã lâu: (Adverbial phrase) It has been a long time. Often used in structures like "đã lâu lắm rồi".
• Lâu năm: (Adjective) Long-standing, of many years. Used to describe something with a long duration (e.g., kinh nghiệm lâu năm - long-term experience).

Synonyms

• Từ lâu lắm: For a very long time.
• Đã từ lâu: Since long ago.
• Lâu lắm rồi: It's been a very long time.

Related Idioms/Phrases

• Đã trường kỳ khươm năm: (Humorous/Exaggerated) For an extremely, almost impossibly long time. This phrase playfully amplifies the meaning of "khươm năm".
  • Cái dự án đó nghiên cứu đã trường kỳ khươm năm. (That project has been under research for an eternity.)

1. (thông tục) For ages, long since