The Vietnamese word "bấy lâu" is an adverbial phrase that means "for so long" or "since that long." It is often used to express a sense of time that has passed, usually when waiting for something or referring to a long duration in the past.
You can use "bấy lâu" in sentences to emphasize the length of time that has elapsed or the duration of a situation. It's typically used in contexts where there has been a significant wait or a long period without an event happening.
Chờ đợi bấy lâu - "To wait for so long."
This phrase can be used when someone has been waiting a long time for something to happen.
Bấy lâu mới được một dịp - "For so long, there has not been such an opportunity."
This indicates that a long time has passed since a particular opportunity arose.
In more advanced contexts, "bấy lâu" can be used to reflect not just time but also emotion. For example, you might say: - Bấy lâu không gặp, tôi rất nhớ bạn - "For so long without seeing each other, I miss you very much."
This usage conveys a feeling of longing or nostalgia.
"Bấy lâu" can stand alone or be part of longer phrases. It is often used with other words to create expressions about waiting or time, such as: - Bấy lâu nay - "All this time" or "All these years."
This variant emphasizes the ongoing nature of a situation over an extended period.
While "bấy lâu" primarily refers to a long duration, it can also imply a sense of impatience or anticipation. For example: - Bấy lâu không thấy tin tức - "For so long without news."
This implies a sense of worry or anxiety about the lack of information.
Some synonyms for "bấy lâu" include: - Lâu lắm - "A long time." - Thời gian dài - "A long time period." - Bấy nhiêu năm - "So many years," which can also imply a long duration.