天长地久(天長地久)
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 & character.
Also searched as: tian chang di jiu, tian chang di jiu,天长地久 meaning, 天长地久 in english
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 eternal nature of heaven (天) and 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.
When to Use
Situation: Their friendship proved to be as enduring as heaven and earth.
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Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about relationships & character
不远千里
bù yuǎn qiān lǐ
Willingly travel far; make great efforts
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朝思暮想
zhāo sī mù xiǎng
Think about constantly; yearn for
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魂牵梦萦
hún qiān mèng yíng
Yearn day and night
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恋恋不舍
liàn liàn bù shě
Be deeply reluctant to leave
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难分难舍
nán fēn nán shě
Be inseparable; hate to part
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海枯石烂
hǎi kū shí làn
Until the end of time; eternal love
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一见钟情
yī jiàn zhōng qíng
Love at first sight
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白头偕老
bái tóu xié lǎo
Grow old together; lifelong partnership
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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 theRelationships & 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”.
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