Used in formal or literary contexts to refer to a person's age, often in congratulatory phrases like 寿を祝う (celebrate a birthday/longevity). Not an everyday word for age.
We held a party to celebrate my grandfather's longevity.
Refers to a long life span, often used in well-wishing expressions. Common in set phrases like 寿を延ばす (prolong life).
congratulation; celebration; congratulatory gift
Can mean the act of congratulating or a gift given for a celebratory occasion. Often appears in compound words like 寿司 (すし, originally a celebratory food) or in formal greetings.
I want to take care of my health and prolong my life.
I gave a watch as a congratulatory gift for the marriage.
99th birthday
88th birthday; celebration of one's 88th year
80th birthday
longevity; long life
100th birthday
human life span; human lifespan
90th birthday
statue of a living person
celebratory toast; drinking to someone's health
long life and happiness
long-life celebrations; special birthday celebrations for the 61st, 77th, and 88th birthdays
long life; advanced age
longevity; prolongation of life
The kanji 寿 originally depicted an old person and a hand, symbolizing long life. The reading じゅ is the on'yomi. The word is used in formal and literary contexts related to longevity and celebration.