长寿

• Pinyin: cháng shòu
• Hanzi breakdown: 长 (long) + 寿 (longevity, life)

Meaning

Longevity; long life. Also: long-lived.

Can be used as an adjective or noun. Culturally significant in China, where longevity is highly valued. Often appears in blessings, especially for elderly people during birthdays.

Examples

1. 他的奶奶非常长寿，今年已经九十八岁了。 His grandmother is very long-lived — she's ninety-eight years old this year.
2. 健康饮食和适量运动是长寿的秘诀。 Healthy eating and moderate exercise are the secrets to longevity.
3. 我们祝愿老人家健康长寿。 We wish the elderly health and longevity.

Usage Guide

Context: blessings, health, culture

Tone: auspicious

Do Say

• 祝您健康长寿！(Wishing you health and longevity!)
• 日本人很长寿。(Japanese people are very long-lived.)

Don't Say

• 对年轻人说'祝你长寿'——这通常是对老年人的祝福 (Don't say 祝你长寿 to young people — this blessing is typically for the elderly)

Origin & History

Compound of 长 (long) + 寿 (life/longevity), meaning 'long life.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal