Translation guide
The concept of a long life or long lifespan. In Japanese, this is expressed through nouns, adjectives, and set phrases, often with cultural nuances.
To refer to the state or quality of living a long time.
The most common and neutral word for 'longevity'. Used in both spoken and written contexts.
彼は長寿の秘訣を聞かれた。
He was asked the secret of his longevity.
日本は長寿国として知られている。
Japan is known as a country of longevity.
A more casual, everyday term for living a long life. Often used as a verb (長生きする).
祖母は100歳まで長生きした。
My grandmother lived to be 100.
長生きしたいなら、健康に気をつけて。
If you want to live a long life, take care of your health.
Means 'lifespan' or 'life expectancy'. Can refer to the length of life of a person, animal, or object.
平均寿命が延びている。
Average life expectancy is increasing.
To refer to longevity celebrations or milestones in Japanese culture.
A general phrase for 'longevity celebration'. Used for milestone birthdays like 60th, 70th, etc.
祖父の長寿のお祝いに家族が集まった。
The family gathered to celebrate my grandfather's longevity.
The 60th birthday celebration, marking a full zodiac cycle. A traditional longevity milestone.
父は今年還暦を迎える。
My father will celebrate his 60th birthday this year.
The 70th birthday celebration. From a Chinese poem meaning 'rarely reached age'.
祖母の古希のお祝いをした。
We celebrated my grandmother's 70th birthday.
To express a wish for someone's long life, often in greetings or toasts.
A polite way to say 'Please live a long life'. Used when speaking directly to someone, especially elders.
おばあちゃん、これからも長生きしてください。
Grandma, please continue to live a long life.
A formal expression meaning 'I pray for your longevity'. Suitable for written messages or formal speeches.
皆様のご長寿をお祈りします。
I wish you all a long life.
To describe something that lasts a long time, such as a product, tradition, or institution.
Means 'long-lasting' or 'durable'. Often used for products or goods.
この靴は長持ちする。
These shoes last a long time.
Means 'permanence' or 'continuation'. More formal, used for abstract concepts like peace or prosperity.
長寿 (ちょうじゅ) is more formal and often used in statistics, news, or formal contexts. 長生き (ながいき) is casual and commonly used in daily conversation. 長生きする is the verb form 'to live long'.
長寿の秘訣は何ですか？
What is the secret to longevity? (formal)
長生きの秘訣は何？
What's the secret to a long life? (casual)
寿命 (じゅみょう) means 'lifespan' and can sound clinical or fatalistic. Avoid using it when wishing someone a long life; use 長生き or 長寿 instead.
✕ ご寿命をお祈りします。
(incorrect) I pray for your lifespan.
○ ご長寿をお祈りします。
I pray for your longevity.
この伝統の長寿は驚くべきだ。
The longevity of this tradition is remarkable.
Using 長寿 for abstract concepts is acceptable in formal writing.
平和の永続を願う。
We hope for the longevity of peace.