Long vs. prolongé
In French, the words 'long' and 'prolongé' both convey the idea of length or duration, but they are used in different contexts. Understanding their nuances can help in using them more accurately.
Long
'Long' refers to something that measures a significant extent from end to end or takes a substantial amount of time.
Le chemin jusqu'à la ville est très long.
(The road to the city is very long.)
Elle a lu un roman long mais captivant.
(She read a long but captivating novel.)
Les journées d'été sont très longues.
(Summer days are very long.)
Prolongé
'Prolongé' means extended or prolonged, often giving the sense that something has been lengthened in duration or time deliberately or unusually.
Ils ont eu une discussion prolongée sur le sujet.
(They had an extended discussion on the topic.)
En raison du mauvais temps, le match a été prolongé.
(Due to bad weather, the match was prolonged.)
Son absence prolongée a inquiété ses amis.
(His prolonged absence worried his friends.)
Summary
While 'long' and 'prolongé' in French both relate to length or duration, 'long' is used to describe something inherently lengthy in physical dimensions or time span. In contrast, 'prolongé' implies an intentional or exceptional extension of time duration.