长寿
chángshòu
Longevity in Chinese is 长寿 (chángshòu).
长寿 is a noun referring to the quality of being long-lasting, particularly regarding life. While it serves as a noun, it is frequently used as an adjective to describe someone or something that lives a long time. To express the concept of living a long life as a verb phrase, you can use 长寿 or 活得长.
Meaning: the quality of being long-lasting, especially of life (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 长寿 is composed of 长 (cháng), meaning 'long' and 寿 (shòu), meaning 'life span' or 'longevity'.
How do you pronounce it?
chángshòu
When do people say it?
The concept of longevity is highly valued in Chinese culture. The character 寿 is a common motif in art and gift-giving for the elderly. When offering a formal blessing to wish someone a long life, the phrase 長命百歲 (May you live to be 100 years old) is used. Additionally, the phrase 健康長壽 is used to emphasize the connection between health and longevity.
Did you know?
- When celebrating a significant birthday, such as a 60th or 80th, people often gift 'longevity noodles' (长寿面, chángshòumiàn). These are exceptionally long strands of noodles that should not be broken while eating, as the unbroken length symbolizes a continuous, long life.
- During the 'Longevity Festival' or birthdays of elders, it is common to see 'Longevity Peaches' (寿桃, shòutáo), which are typically steamed buns shaped like peaches and often pink in color. These are based on a mythological peach that grants eternal life.
- While 长寿 is a general term, the concept of 'longevity' is linked to the 'shou' star, one of the three Star Gods who represent prosperity, happiness and longevity.
Examples in context
- 这种饮食有助于长寿。zhè zhǒng yǐn shí yǒu zhù yú cháng shòu.This kind of diet helps with longevity.
- 老人通常很长寿。lǎo rén tōng cháng hěn cháng shòu.Elderly people are usually long-lived.
Example conversation
Haoran and Yuting are discussing their grandfather's health.
- 浩然 Haoran我的爷爷快一百岁了。Wǒ de yéye kuài yī bǎi suì le.My grandfather is almost a hundred years old.
- 雨婷 Yuting他真的非常长寿！Tā zhēnde fēicháng chángshòu!He really has great longevity!
- 浩然 Haoran他每天都坚持锻炼。Tā měitiān dōu jiānchí duànliàn.He exercises every single day.
- 雨婷 Yuting这就是他的秘诀吧。Zhè jiùshì tā de mìjué ba.That must be his secret.
