数十年

数十年 means 'several decades' or 'many years,' referring to a long period of time, typically more than 20 years but not a specific number. It is often used to describe extended periods in history, personal experiences, or ongoing processes.

The character 数 (shù) means 'to count' or 'number,' 十 (shí) means 'ten,' and 年 (nián) means 'year.' Together, they literally translate to 'counting ten years,' which conveys the idea of a long duration composed of multiple ten-year periods.

数十年 is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, such as discussing historical events, personal achievements, or long-term trends. It emphasizes the length of time rather than exact dates, making it ideal for general descriptions of prolonged periods.