Donkey's years Meaning in English
expression
ˈdɑŋkiz/ /ˈjɪɹz/, /jɝz
DAHN-keeze YEERZ
ˈdɒŋkiz/ /jˈiəz
DON-keeze YEERZ
Definition
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.
Usage & Nuances
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 eternidadPortuguese (BR): muito tempo - uma eternidadePortuguese (PT): muito tempo - uma eternidadeChinese (Simplified): 很久 - 很长时间Chinese (Traditional): 很久 - 很長時間Hindi: बहुत साल - कई सालArabic: مدة طويلة جداًBengali: অনেক বছর - দীর্ঘ দিনRussian: очень много лет - целая вечностьJapanese: 長い間 - 何年もVietnamese: rất lâu - cả một đờiKorean: 오랜 세월 - 아주 오랜만Turkish: çok uzun zaman - yıllar yıllarUrdu: بہت برس - ایک طویل عرصہIndonesian: sangat lama - bertahun-tahun
Example Sentences
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