noun
A classical, highly formal expression for wishing someone a long life, often used in poetry or ceremonial greetings. Not used in everyday speech.
「南山の寿」は、長寿を祝う漢詩の一節として知られている。
"Nanzan no ju" is known as a line from a Chinese poem celebrating longevity.
Standard, everyday word for longevity. 南山の寿 is a rare, classical alternative used only in very formal or literary contexts.
From Classical Chinese, literally 'longevity of the southern mountain', a metaphor for a long and enduring life. The exact historical derivation is uncertain; the expression is conventionally associated with congratulatory wishes.