📖 Meaning
A wish that one's lifespan be as long-lasting as the Southern Mountain. It is used to wish someone longevity and a long, healthy life. Commonly spoken at birthdays and celebrations of elders.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom traces back to the 'Shi Jing' (Book of Songs), the oldest existing collection of Chinese poetry, compiled during the Zhou Dynasty. It comes specifically from the poem 'Tian Bao' in the 'Xiao Ya' (Minor Odes) section, which contains the line '如南山之寿' (like the longevity of the Southern Mountain). The Southern Mountain refers to the Zhongnan Mountains, regarded as eternal and unshakable. The verse was originally a blessing of enduring fortune and long life, and over the centuries the phrase evolved into the familiar four-character idiom used today.
💡 Example Usage
祝您寿比南山，健康长寿。
Wishing you longevity as enduring as the Southern Mountain, with health and long life.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 寿比南山
- Pinyin: shòu bǐ nán shān
- Literal Translation: longevity, compared to, south, mountain
- Category: Lifestyle
- Characters: 4