Italian Phrase
È un viaggio lungo.
Meaning
The sentence states that a journey is long. It can refer to a literal trip that takes many days or to a metaphorical, drawn‑out experience.
When to use
Use this phrase when describing travel plans, recounting a past expedition, or commenting on any process that feels extended—like a long project, a lengthy relationship, or a drawn‑out story.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Èunviaggiolungo.
Essere (È)
‘È’ is the third‑person singular present of the verb ‘essere’ (to be) and is used for statements about a subject.
Indefinite article (un)
‘un’ is the masculine singular indefinite article used before most consonant‑initial nouns; ‘uno’ is only used before s+consonant, z, gn, ps, x, y.
Noun (viaggio)
‘viaggio’ is a masculine singular noun meaning ‘journey’ or ‘trip’.
Adjective placement (lungo)
In Italian adjectives can follow the noun for a neutral description; ‘lungo’ agrees in gender and number with ‘viaggio’.
🗨In Conversation
Hai sentito del nuovo tour in Patagonia?
Did you hear about the new tour in Patagonia?
Sì, è un viaggio lungo.
Yes, it’s a long journey.
✕Common Mistakes
È uno viaggio lungo.
‘uno’ is only used before nouns that start with s+consonant, z, gn, ps, x, y. Here ‘viaggio’ starts with a regular consonant, so the correct article is ‘un’.
È lungo un viaggio.
Placing the adjective before the noun in this construction sounds unnatural in everyday Italian; the natural order is noun‑adjective.
↔Alternatives
È un lungo viaggio.
It’s a long journey.
È un percorso esteso.
It’s an extended route.
È un viaggio prolungato.
It’s a prolonged journey.
Cultural Tip
Italian often places adjectives after the noun for a neutral, descriptive tone. Putting ‘lungo’ before ‘viaggio’ (È un lungo viaggio) is also correct but can add a slightly more emphatic or poetic nuance. Remember that ‘lungo’ can also function as a preposition meaning ‘throughout’ (e.g., ‘lungo la strada’ – ‘along the road’).