… 万歳
banzai
The English phrase "long live" is expressed in Japanese using … 万歳 (banzai).
To say "long live [someone or something]", place the subject you are cheering for before the word 万歳.
Meaning: prosper (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 万歳 (banzai) literally means "ten thousand years".
How do you pronounce it?
banzai
When do people say it?
In Japan, shouting 万歳 is a traditional way to express great joy, to celebrate or to cheer for someone's success or longevity.
Did you know?
- The word 万歳 is a loanword from Middle Chinese, originally used as a greeting to the emperor.
- When shouting 万歳, it is customary to raise both arms straight up into the air.
- While 万歳 is used for celebration, it is also associated with the 'banzai charge' in military history, where soldiers charged forward with a shout.
Examples in context
- 新しい皇后に、万歳万歳万歳！Long live the new empress!
- 誕生日おめでとう！一生幸せでありますように。Happy birthday! May you have a lifetime of happiness.
- 結婚おめでとう！末永くお幸せに。Congratulations on your marriage! May you be happy together forever.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “long live” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 万歳, CC BY-SA 4.0.
