万古长青

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: wàn gǔ cháng qīng
• English Translation: Everlasting, eternally unchanging
• Idiom Composition: 「万」（Ten thousand, extremely long period of time）＋「古」（Ancient times, old era）＋「长」（Always, eternally）＋「青」（Verdant, unfading）
• Meaning: Originally describing how pines and cypresses remain forever green, this idiom refers to things, people's spirit, or achievements that remain immortal and never fade. It expresses very strong eternity and immutability.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「万古长青」 contains the following nuances:

• Eternity: Represents continuing to exist eternally, unaffected by the passage of time.
• Immutability: Means that the essence or value remains unchanged in any situation.
• Vitality: Implies the strength to maintain a vibrant state, not being defeated by difficulties or adversity.
• High value: Used for things that have universal value that doesn't fade even after long years.

3. Usage

「万古长青」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Praise: Used when praising things that will continue to have value eternally, such as human achievements, spirit, or artistic works.
  • Example:「革命先烈们的伟大精神万古长青。」
    （The great spirit of revolutionary martyrs is everlasting.）
• Description of nature: Used to describe natural scenery that remains unchanged over long periods of time.
  • Example:「这座山峰万古长青，见证了历史的变迁。」
    （This mountain has remained eternally unchanged, witnessing the transitions of history.）
• Blessing: Used when wishing for people or things to prosper forever and maintain a good state.
  • Example:「祝愿我们的友谊万古长青。」
    （I hope our friendship will remain eternally unchanged.）

Additional Examples:

1. 这部经典著作，历经千年，依然万古长青，深受读者喜爱。
   （This classic masterpiece has remained unfading even after a thousand years and continues to be loved by readers.）
2. 英雄的伟大人格万古长青，永远激励着后人。
   （The hero's great character is eternally immortal and will continue to inspire future generations forever.）
3. 这棵古树万古长青，象征着生命的顽强和不屈。
   （This ancient tree remains green forever, symbolizing the resilience and unyielding nature of life.）
4. 这种传统美德，应该代代相传，万古长青。
   （This traditional virtue should be passed down through generations and remain eternally unchanged.）
5. 他的艺术作品，将万古长青，为后人所敬仰。
   （His artistic works will remain forever and be revered by future generations.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• In traditional Chinese culture, pines and cypresses have been symbols of longevity and immutability due to their evergreen nature. '万古长青' is used as a word expressing eternity and immutability, connected to this image of pines and cypresses.
• '万古长青' is mostly used in written language and is not commonly used in daily conversation.
• Since it is a word with very strong meaning, using it casually can sound exaggerated. It should be used for things that are truly valuable and will remain for eternity.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 永垂不朽 (yǒng chuí bù xiǔ): Human achievements or reputation being passed down to future generations without ever decaying.
  • 千古流芳 (qiān gǔ liú fāng): Good reputation or achievements being passed down to future generations forever.
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 昙花一现 (tán huā yí xiàn): A metaphor for wonderful things or events that disappear quickly after appearing.
  • 过眼云烟 (guò yǎn yún yān): A metaphor for the transient nature of things, disappearing quickly like clouds and smoke passing before one's eyes.

6. Summary

'万古长青' is a powerful and beautiful idiom that reflects traditional Chinese values. By understanding the cultural background that sees pines and cypresses as symbols of immutability, and using it appropriately to praise human spirit, achievements, or unchanging friendship, the expression will gain depth. This idiom conveys a profound wish for eternity embedded in its meaning.