expression
long life is a blessing; cranes live 1000 years, turtles 10,000 years
Proverb used to celebrate longevity, often in congratulatory contexts. The literal meaning is that cranes live for 1000 years and turtles for 10,000 years, symbolizing a wish for a long life.
おじいちゃんの米寿のお祝いに、「鶴は千年亀は万年」と言って乾杯した。
At grandpa's 88th birthday celebration, we toasted, saying 'Cranes live a thousand years, turtles ten thousand years.'
A traditional Japanese proverb based on the belief that cranes and turtles are symbols of longevity. The exact origin is uncertain, but it reflects East Asian folklore where these animals are considered auspicious.