General:
* 很久 (hěn jiǔ): This is the most common and straightforward way to say "long time." It literally means "very long."
* 好久不见 (hǎo jiǔ bù jiàn): This means "long time no see" and is used in greetings when you haven't seen someone for a while.
Specific contexts:
* 很长时间 (hěn cháng shí jiān): This emphasizes a specific duration of time and is more formal than "很久."
* 漫长 (màn cháng): This means "long and drawn-out" and emphasizes a sense of boredom or tedium.
* 久远 (jiǔ yuǎn): This means "ancient" or "far distant" and is used for times long past.
Example:
* 很久没见你,你过得好吗?(Hěn jiǔ méi jiàn nǐ, nǐ guò de hǎo ma?) Long time no see, how are you?
The best way to say "long time" depends on the specific situation.