Donkey's years Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈdɑŋkiz/ /ˈjɪɹz/, /jɝz

DAHN-keeze YEERZ

UK

ˈdɒŋkiz/ /jˈiəz

DON-keeze YEERZ

Definición

This is a British informal expression meaning a very long time. People use it when talking about something that happened ages ago or when they haven't seen someone for many years.

Uso & Matices

Very informal and chiefly British English; rarely used in American English. Common in phrases like 'I haven't seen you in donkey's years.' Not literal—does not actually refer to donkeys. Often used with present perfect tense.

• Spanish: muchísimo tiempo - una eternidad
• Portuguese (BR): muito tempo - uma eternidade
• Portuguese (PT): muito tempo - uma eternidade
• Chinese (Simplified): 很久 - 很长时间
• Chinese (Traditional): 很久 - 很長時間
• Hindi: बहुत साल - कई साल
• Arabic: مدة طويلة جداً
• Bengali: অনেক বছর - দীর্ঘ দিন
• Russian: очень много лет - целая вечность
• Japanese: 長い間 - 何年も
• Vietnamese: rất lâu - cả một đời
• Korean: 오랜 세월 - 아주 오랜만
• Turkish: çok uzun zaman - yıllar yıllar
• Urdu: بہت برس - ایک طویل عرصہ
• Indonesian: sangat lama - bertahun-tahun

Oraciones de Ejemplo

I haven't seen you in donkey's years!

basic

We haven't eaten at this place in donkey's years.

basic

My old school friends and I haven't met up in donkey's years.

basic

Wow, it's been donkey's years since we last talked.

natural

You've had that car for donkey's years!

natural

That shop has been closed for donkey's years.

natural