How to say "linger" in Japanese

• 長引くながびくJLPT N2approx.Common
  godan verb, intransitive verbCovers the sense of lingering as dragging on or persisting, typically of something undesirable that lasts longer than expected. Nuance: prolongation. Typical contexts include an illness, negotiations, or a discussion that will not end.
  その経済学けいざいがく者しゃは長引ながびく不況ふきょうを予期よきしていた。↗

  The economist anticipated a prolonged depression.
• 粘るねばるJLPT N1approx.Common
  godan verb, intransitive verbMatched to 'linger' through the gloss 'to linger', but its core meaning is to persevere, persist, or hold out. It is usually about tenaciously sticking to something rather than lingering, so it is often not the word you want for this sense.

Use 「長引く」 when something, especially an unwelcome situation like an illness or a meeting, drags on longer than expected; 「粘る」 is really about persevering or holding out, not lingering in place.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 長引くながびくto be prolonged
• 暮れ残るくれのこるto linger (faint light of twilight)
• 揺曳ようえいflutter
• たなびくto trail (of smoke, clouds, etc.)
• ぶらつくto stroll about
• 粘るねばるto persevere
• なずむto linger (on)
• 迷うまようto linger (of a departed soul)