HSK 3 · VERSION 2.0#50
Expressing Ongoing Duration with Double “le”
动词 + 了 + 时长 + 了
How it works
This pattern shows that an action started in the past and is still continuing now.
The pattern
Verb + 了 + Duration + 了
Example sentences
我学了三年汉语了。
I have studied Chinese for three years.
他在北京住了十年了。
He has lived in Beijing for ten years.
我们认识了很久了。
We have known each other for a long time.
Usage note
The second 了 highlights that the situation continues up to now.
This pattern is often used with verbs or situations that can continue over time, such as 学, 住, 等, 工作, 认识.