Meaning
长寿
cháng shòu
Long life
- 长
- long
- 寿
- life, longevity
The everyday word for a long life.
Longevity in Chinese
The Chinese word for longevity is 长寿 (cháng shòu). The everyday word for a long life. In traditional characters it is written 長壽.
长寿
cháng shòu
Longevity
What 长寿 means.
寿 is one of the most auspicious characters in Chinese culture. It is written in many decorative forms (the “hundred forms of 寿”) and appears on birthday cakes and gifts for elders. The god of longevity is 寿星.
- 长
- long
- 寿
- life, longevity
Simplified and traditional
长寿
長壽
Both are correct and mean the same. Traditional 長壽 keeps the older, fuller shape that calligraphy grew up with; simplified 长寿 is what most Chinese readers use today. Our seal and clerical styles write it in the traditional form.
Pick the shade of meaning.
Chinese often has more than one word where English has one. Here is how they differ.
Meaning
寿
shòu
Longevity
- 寿
- long life
The classic single character, a traditional symbol of long life.
About longevity in Chinese
How do you write longevity in Chinese?
Longevity is 长寿 in Chinese, pronounced cháng shòu. Long life 长 means “long”, 寿 means “life, longevity”.
How do you pronounce 长寿?
Say cháng (second tone, rising), shòu (fourth tone, falling). Mandarin tones change meaning, so it is worth listening to a native speaker once.
Is 长寿 different in traditional Chinese?
Yes. The traditional form is 長壽, used in Taiwan, Hong Kong and classical calligraphy; 长寿 is the simplified form used in mainland China and Singapore. Both are correct.
What other Chinese words mean longevity?
寿 (shòu): Longevity The classic single character, a traditional symbol of long life.
Is 长寿 a good Chinese tattoo?
Yes, it is a real, everyday Chinese word rather than a machine translation, so Chinese readers will understand it. Keep the characters in their order, top to bottom or left to right, and never mirrored. Choose a readable style such as Kaishu, bring a clean reference to your artist, and show it to a fluent reader before your appointment.