延年益寿

延年益壽
yánnián-yìshòu
idiom #43,546

Meanings

  1. 1 to prolong life and increase longevity
  2. 2 (of food, exercise, herbs) to promote long life

Examples

Shìdàng yùndòng kěyǐ yánnián-yìshòu.
Moderate exercise can prolong life.
Zhèzhǒng bǎojiàn pǐn hàochēng néng yánnián-yìshòu.
This health product claims to extend your lifespan.

Tips

history
From Song Yu's《》(Warring States, Chu): 延年益寿千万 — wishing the king ten thousand years of extended life. The phrase has stayed in the language as a stock blessing.
register
Common in advertising for health products and traditional medicine. Also used as a polite wish to elders. Sounds slightly old-fashioned in casual speech.

Stroke Order

yán
nián
寿 shòu