寿
Meanings
1
Used for celebratory messages, especially written on envelopes for monetary gifts at weddings and other auspicious occasions.
For the wedding celebration, I prepared a gift envelope with the character 寿 written on it.
2
Refers to a long lifespan; often used in well-wishing contexts or as a symbol of long life.
As a phrase to celebrate longevity, 'long life' is often used.
Usage patterns
- 〈物〉に「寿」と書くto write the celebratory character '寿' on something, such as a gift envelope
I wrote '寿' (congratulations) on the gift envelope.
- 寿を全うするto live out one's natural lifespan to the fullest
He lived a long life, reaching the age of ninety.