Yojijukugo
Japanese meaning of 天長地久
Reading:
Voice sample:
てんちょうちきゅう (tenchou chikyuu)
English Translation:
Everlasting; as eternal as heaven and earth
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
As eternal as heaven and earth; long-lasting.
日本語で読む
天と地のように長く変わらないこと。
Cultural Context:
Often used in poetry, wedding speeches, and literary works to wish for longevity in love or life.
日本語で読む
詩や結婚スピーチ、文学作品などで、愛や人生の長寿を願う表現として使われる。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• Noun phrase with “の関係” or “を保つ” to describe a relationship enduring forever (“天長地久の関係”).<br>• Poetic, often used in wedding speeches or literature.
日本語で読む
• 永遠に続くことを表す「〜の関係」「〜を保つ」（例：「天長地久の関係」）。<br>• 結婚式のスピーチや文学作品などでよく使われる。
Trap for English Speakers
Might be taken as a literal eternal span, but it is a poetic ideal rather than a measurable duration.
日本語で読む
文字通りの永遠ではなく、理想的な長続きする関係や状態を詩的に表現する点に注意。
Example
Example 1Basic Example
二人の愛が天長地久でありますように。
May their love last as long as heaven and earth.
Example 2Applied Example
二人の絆は天長地久、どんな試練も壊せなかった。
Their bond was as enduring as heaven and earth, unbroken by any trial.
Quick check
Meaning
What does 「天長地久」 mean?