Asking "how long" (นานเท่าไร, นานแค่ไหน)

Asking "How Long" with นานเท่าไร and นานแค่ไหน

To ask about the duration of an event or state, use the question phrases นานเท่าไร or นานแค่ไหน ("how long"). They are used interchangeably in everyday conversation. Place them at the very end of the clause.

To ask how long an ongoing state has lasted, combine the question word with มา...แล้ว (up until now/already).

Asking "How Long Does It Take?"

When asking how much time a task requires, use the verb phrase ใช้เวลา (to take time) followed by the question word:

Action + ใช้เวลา + นานเท่าไร / นานแค่ไหน

Using "How Long" in Complex Sentences

The question phrase stays at the end of its clause, even in compound sentences or conditional statements using ถ้า (if).