Meaning and Usage
The verb "長引く" (ながびく) means "to be prolonged" or "to drag on." It is often used to describe events, situations, or conditions that last longer than expected or desired.
Common Contexts
You will frequently hear "長引く" in contexts such as meetings, illnesses, negotiations, or any scenario where something extends beyond the usual or planned time.
Collocations and Patterns
- 会議が長引く: the meeting drags on
- 風邪が長引く: a cold lasts long
- 交渉が長引く: negotiations drag on
These collocations emphasize the extension of time and often imply some inconvenience or fatigue.
Register and Nuance
"長引く" is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It often carries a slightly negative nuance, as prolonged situations are usually undesirable.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "長引く" with "長い" (long) or "延びる" (to be extended). "長引く" specifically implies an ongoing process that is taking longer than expected, not just something that is long in length or duration.