萬壽 (wànshòu) means 'long life' or 'longevity' and is often used in a celebratory context, especially during birthdays or significant anniversaries. The term reflects the cultural value placed on longevity in Chinese society, frequently expressed in greetings and well-wishes.
HSK 7, 16 strokes, Hard
wànshòu(wan4shou4) T4
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May 27, 2026
萬壽wànshòu(wan4shou4)
萬壽 (wànshòu) means 'long life' or 'longevity' and is often used in a celebratory context, especially during birthdays or significant anniversaries. The term reflects the cultural value placed on longevity in Chinese society, frequently expressed in greetings and well-wishes.
Strokes16Frequency#—DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, longevity is highly valued, and 萬壽 is often featured in birthday celebrations, symbolizing good wishes for a long and prosperous life. This is reflected in traditional practices, such as serving longevity noodles during birthday feasts.
Memory Tip
Imagine a grand birthday party where a towering cake with '10,000' candles symbolizes a long life. The character 萬 (wàn) looks like the number '10,000', while 壽 (shòu) resembles a person celebrating with arms raised high, embodying joy and long-lasting life.
About 萬壽
萬壽Simplified
16Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 萬壽
Podcast: 萬壽
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AI Study Notes for 萬壽
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a grand birthday party where a towering cake with '10,000' candles symbolizes a long life. The character 萬 (wàn) looks like the number '10,000', while 壽 (shòu) resembles a person celebrating with arms raised high, embodying joy and long-lasting life.
Usage Notes
Learners should use 萬壽 primarily in formal or celebratory contexts, such as during birthday wishes. A common mistake is to confuse it with simpler greetings; remember that 萬壽 is more ceremonial and carries a sense of reverence.
HSK Study Tips
At HSK 7, focus on understanding the cultural significance of 萬壽, as it connects to other words related to age and celebration, like 生日 (shēngrì, birthday) and 祝福 (zhùfú, blessing). Recognizing its usage in formal contexts will enhance your language skills.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, longevity is highly valued, and 萬壽 is often featured in birthday celebrations, symbolizing good wishes for a long and prosperous life. This is reflected in traditional practices, such as serving longevity noodles during birthday feasts.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 萬壽 in informal situations. For example, saying '我祝你萬壽' (I wish you long life) in a casual chat is incorrect; use simpler greetings instead. Correctly, use it in a formal context like '祝你生日快樂，萬壽無疆' (Wishing you a happy birthday and endless longevity).
AI-enhanced 2026-05-27
Pronunciation of 萬壽
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Cultural Notes for 萬壽
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, longevity is highly valued, and 萬壽 is often featured in birthday celebrations, symbolizing good wishes for a long and prosperous life. This is reflected in traditional practices, such as serving longevity noodles during birthday feasts.
Frequently Asked Questions about 萬壽
It's best to reserve 萬壽 for formal occasions or when expressing heartfelt wishes, as it carries a more serious tone.
You might hear '祝你萬壽無疆' (wishing you endless longevity) during birthday celebrations.
No, it's typically used in specific, formal contexts, unlike more general terms for life or age.
