長寿
chōju[t͡ɕo̞ːʑɨ]
Longevity in Japanese is referred to as 長寿 (chōju). If unsure, use 長寿. Wiktionary also lists 寿命 (jumyō).
Meaning: the quality of being long-lasting, especially of life (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 長寿 | chōju | [t͡ɕo̞ːʑɨ] (narrow) |
| 寿命 | jumyō | [d͡ʑɨmʲo̞ː] (narrow) |
The term is used to describe the quality of being long-lasting, especially regarding a person's life.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 長寿 (chōju) is composed of the characters for 'long' (長) and 'longevity/life' (寿).
Which one should you use?
長寿 refers to the state of living a long life and is typically used in celebratory or formal contexts, such as when wishing someone a long life. In contrast, 寿命 (jumyō) refers to the actual duration of a life or the biological lifespan of an organism.
How do you pronounce it?
chōju
Did you know?
- Japanese culture has specific names for longevity milestones beyond the 60th birthday. For example, a 70th birthday is called 古希 (koki) and an 88th birthday is 米寿 (beiju), as the kanji for 'rice' and 'age' combined look like the number 88.
- In Japanese culture, the crane is the primary animal symbol for 長寿 because ancient legend claimed they lived for a thousand years.
- In Japan, the character for 'longevity' in 長寿, which is 寿, is also used as a shorthand for 'congratulations' in many formal settings. You might see it on beautiful envelopes for weddings or celebrations.
Examples in context
- 彼女は健康的な生活を送っていますので、長寿を祈ります。Since she leads a healthy lifestyle, I pray for her longevity.
- 日本の寿命は他の多くの国よりも長いです。Life expectancy in Japan is longer than many other countries.
- 長生きして笑顔でいられることが一番幸せなことです。The happiest thing is being able to live a long life and stay smiling.
- 長寿命を達成するためには、バランスの取れた生活が重要です。Achieving longevity requires a well-balanced lifestyle.
- 長寿の秘訣は何ですか？Chōju no hiketsu wa nan desu ka?What is the secret to longevity?
- 長寿を願って、お祝いをしました。Chōju o negatte, oiwai o shimashita.We held a celebration wishing for long life.
Example conversation
Yui and Kenta are talking about their grandparents.
- 結衣 Yui健太さんの おじいさんはとても元気ですね。Kenta-san no ojiisan wa totemo genki desu ne.Your grandfather is very energetic, Kenta.
- 健太 Kentaはい、長寿の秘訣は毎日歩くことだそうです。Hai, chouju no hiketsu wa mainichi aruku koto da sou desu.Yes, he says the secret to longevity is walking every day.
- 結衣 Yuiそれは素晴らしい習慣ですね。Sore wa subarashii shuukan desu ne.That is a wonderful habit.
- 健太 Kenta私も真似して健康的な生活をしたいです。Watashi mo mane shite kenkouteki na seikatsu o shitai desu.I want to follow his example and live a healthy life.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “longevity” translations and entries 長寿, 寿命, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
