"This lasts for hours."

Translation: Ça dure pendant des heures.

[narko]

why not "Ça dure des heures"?

[Sitesurf]

that is correct and very usual

[alkhemizt]

They now accept it

[jayeidge]

Why is "Ce dur pendant des heures"? Is "Ce/Ca" relating to "hours"?

[Sitesurf]

"ceci/cela/ça" = this/that, as a pronoun that can be subject of a verb; here: ceci/cela dure = this/that lasts.

"ce" as a pronoun is only used with verb être: c'est, ce sont.

"dur" is an adjective (dur, dure, durs, dures), meaning tough/hard.

Verb "durer" (= to last) is a 1st group verb, like "manger": je dure, tu dures, il/elle/on dure, nous durons, vous durez, ils/elles durent.

What "ça/this" represents is not known (a concert, a fight, a game...).

The most correct translation should be: "ceci dure (pendant) des heures"

[nathanbash]

I was confused about ceci/cela. If anybody else is here's a good explanation: http://french.about.com/od/grammar/a/indefinite-demonstrative-pronoun.htm

[buffalump21]

Fantastic explanation site surf. Thanks

[jayeidge]

Thanks

[piscean59]

Quite informative. Tks

[RainbowTearz]

This is finally the first time I've seen a thorough explanation about the differences between ce/ces/ça, ceci/cela, & cet/cette. Many thanks!

[thecatpetter]

Would "pour" work as well?

[Sitesurf]

No, only "pendant" or nothing at all: "ça dure des heures"

[DrewDdmek]

Why not Ce dure pendant des heures?

[Sitesurf]

"ce" as a pronoun is nearly exclusively used in front of verb être: c'est or ce sont (+ other tenses).
In front of other verbs, you have to use "ceci, cela / ça".

[ChanBeauge]

When can we use "pendants" as opposed to "pendant" please someone explain

[Sitesurf]

"pendant" meaning "during" does not have an -s.

un pendant / des pendants d'oreille(s) = earring drops

[sfishlock]

Why isn't des heures written d'heures?

[Sitesurf]

"de" elides to d' for euphony reasons (vowel sound conflict): beaucoup d'heures

"des" does not need to elide since the ending -s allows a Z liaison with "heures" (mute H)

[jeb1214]

When do I use "des" and when do i use "les?"

[Obedgilles]

What about "ça dure depuis des heures" ?

[Sitesurf]

ça dure depuis des heures = that has lasted for hours (present perfect)