Definition
由来已久 is a fixed expression meaning 'to have existed for a long time' or 'to be long-standing'. It is often used as a predicate or attributive modifier in formal or written contexts. The phrase comes from 由来 ('origin') plus 已久 ('already long'), and it emphasizes that something has been the case for a considerable period.
f.e.
to be of long standingto have existed for a long time
Examples
- 由来已久。Zhè zhǒng chuántǒng yóu lái yǐ jiǔ.This tradition has existed for a long time.
- 由来已久，。Liǎng guó de yǒuhǎo guānxì yóu lái yǐ jiǔ, bù róngyì gǎibiàn.The friendly relations between the two countries are long-standing and not easily changed.
- 由来已久，。Zhège chuánshuō yóu lái yǐ jiǔ, dàn zhīdào de rén bìng bù duō.This legend has been around for a long time, but not many people know about it.
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