天长地久
天长地久 (tiān cháng dì jiǔ) literally means “heaven is long, earth is lasting” and expresses “everlasting; eternal”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving relationships and character.
Also searched as: tian chang di jiu, tian chang di jiu,天长地久 meaning, 天长地久 in english
Everlasting; eternal
Pronunciation: tiān cháng dì jiǔ Literal meaning: Heaven is long, earth is lasting
Origin & Usage
This idiom derives from Chapter 7 of the Daoist classic 'Tao Te Ching' (道德经) by Laozi: 'Heaven and earth are long-lasting.' The phrase uses the long-lasting (长) heaven (天) and enduring (久) earth (地) as metaphors for permanence and durability. It gained romantic connotations through Tang Dynasty poetry, particularly Bai Juyi's 'Song of Everlasting Sorrow' where it describes enduring love. The idiom is commonly used in wedding blessings and expressions of lasting relationships, though it can apply to any bond or commitment meant to endure through time.
Examples
English: "Their friendship proved to be as enduring as heaven and earth."
Chinese: 他们的友谊天长地久，永不改变。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about relationships & character
天长日久
tiān cháng rì jiǔ
Prolonged duration
Learn more →
惊天动地
jīng tiān dòng dì
Earth-shaking; tremendous
Learn more →
长话短说
cháng huà duǎn shuō
Make a long story short
Learn more →
取长补短
qǔ cháng bǔ duǎn
Combine strengths to overcome weaknesses
Learn more →
拔苗助长
bá miáo zhù zhǎng
Ruin through impatient intervention
Learn more →
揠苗助长
yà miáo zhù zhǎng
Harmful interference ruins growth
Learn more →
天外有天
tiān wài yǒu tiān
Always someone better
Learn more →
巧夺天工
qiǎo duó tiān gōng
Craftsmanship beyond natural limits
Learn more →
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 天长地久 mean in English?
天长地久 (tiān cháng dì jiǔ) literally translates to “Heaven is long, earth is lasting” and is used to express “Everlasting; eternal”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Relationships & Character category.
When is 天长地久 used?
Situation: Their friendship proved to be as enduring as heaven and earth.
What is the pinyin for 天长地久?
The pinyin pronunciation for 天长地久 is “tiān cháng dì jiǔ”.
Curated Lists Featuring 天长地久
11 Chinese Idioms About Sky & Heaven (天)
Learn Chinese idioms featuring sky/heaven (天), representing the divine, fate, and limitless possibility.
10 Auspicious Chinese Idioms for Birthday Wishes
Perfect Chinese idioms for birthday greetings, wishing longevity, happiness, and success.
8 Chinese Idioms About Sadness & Sorrow
Poignant Chinese idioms expressing sadness, grief, and sorrow - understand how Chinese culture articulates melancholy.