天长日久
天长日久 (tiān cháng rì jiǔ) literally means “time is long and enduring” and expresses “prolonged duration”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving life philosophy.
Also searched as: tian chang ri jiu, tian chang ri jiu,天长日久 meaning, 天长日久 in english
Prolonged duration
Pronunciation: tiān cháng rì jiǔ Literal meaning: Time is long and enduring
Origin & Usage
The idiom 天长日久 (tiān cháng rì jiǔ) is commonly used in classical Chinese literature to express the concept of enduring time or a prolonged period. It appears in works such as the Qing dynasty novel 《红楼梦》 (Dream of the Red Chamber) by Cao Xueqin, where it describes the passage of time and its effects on life and relationships. The characters 天 (tiān) and 日 (rì) both refer to celestial bodies, symbolizing the vastness of time, while 长 (cháng) and 久 (jiǔ) emphasize its length and continuity. In modern usage, this idiom is often employed to describe situations or processes that unfold over a long duration, highlighting the impact of time on change and development.
Examples
English: "Their friendship has lasted through thick and thin over the years."
Chinese: 他们的友谊天长日久，历久弥新。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about life philosophy
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 天长日久 mean in English?
天长日久 (tiān cháng rì jiǔ) literally translates to “Time is long and enduring” and is used to express “Prolonged duration”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Life Philosophy category.
When is 天长日久 used?
Situation: Their friendship has lasted through thick and thin over the years.
What is the pinyin for 天长日久?
The pinyin pronunciation for 天长日久 is “tiān cháng rì jiǔ”.