漫长

Etymology & Components

The Chinese word 漫长 (màncháng) is composed of two characters: 漫 (màn) and 长 (cháng). 漫 originally meant "full" or "overflowing", and was often used to describe the vastness of the sky or the sea. Over time, it came to be used more figuratively to describe something that is extensive or protracted. 长, on the other hand, simply means "long". When combined, the two characters 漫长 create a word that means "long and drawn-out", or "tedious". This word is often used to describe things that feel like they are taking forever, such as a long journey or a boring lecture.