海枯石烂(海枯石爛)
海枯石烂 (hǎi kū shí làn) literally means “seas dry, stones rot”and expresses “until the end of time; eternal love”.This idiom is used when describing situations involving relationships & character.
Also searched as: hai ku shi lan, hai ku shi lan,海枯石烂 meaning, 海枯石烂 in english
Pronunciation: hǎi kū shí làn Literal meaning: Seas dry, stones rot
Origin & Usage
This idiom describes seas (海) drying up (枯) and stones (石) rotting (烂). These are impossibilities that would take eternity - seas don't dry and stones don't rot. The phrase represents eternal commitment. Modern usage in romantic contexts expresses undying love, promises that will last until the impossible happens - essentially forever.
When to Use
Situation: She promised to love him forever, no matter what happens.
Discover a new Chinese idiom every day with our iOS app.
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about relationships & character
不远千里
bù yuǎn qiān lǐ
Willingly travel far; make great efforts
Learn more →
死而后已
sǐ ér hòu yǐ
Continue until death; lifelong commitment
Learn more →
朝思暮想
zhāo sī mù xiǎng
Think about constantly; yearn for
Learn more →
魂牵梦萦
hún qiān mèng yíng
Yearn day and night
Learn more →
恋恋不舍
liàn liàn bù shě
Be deeply reluctant to leave
Learn more →
难分难舍
nán fēn nán shě
Be inseparable; hate to part
Learn more →
一见钟情
yī jiàn zhōng qíng
Love at first sight
Learn more →
白头偕老
bái tóu xié lǎo
Grow old together; lifelong partnership
Learn more →
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 海枯石烂 mean in English?
海枯石烂 (hǎi kū shí làn) literally translates to “Seas dry, stones rot”and is used to express “Until the end of time; eternal love”. This Chinese idiom belongs to theRelationships & Character category..
When is 海枯石烂 used?
Situation: She promised to love him forever, no matter what happens.
What is the pinyin for 海枯石烂?
The pinyin pronunciation for 海枯石烂 is “hǎi kū shí làn”.