Proverb / Kotowaza
鶴は千年亀は万年
A celebratory expression used to wish for longevity and prosperity based on the long lifespans of cranes and turtles.
A crane lives for a thousand years, and a turtle lives for ten thousand years.
Quick Answer
A celebratory expression used to wish for longevity and prosperity based on the long lifespans of cranes and turtles.
- Literal Image
- A crane lives for a thousand years, and a turtle lives for ten thousand years.
- How to Use It
- This phrase is used during formal celebrations such as weddings, milestone birthdays, or Respect for the Aged Day to offer well wishes to others.
Meaning
This proverb highlights the crane and the turtle as symbols of long life. It is used as a congratulatory phrase during auspicious occasions to pray for someone's health, continued longevity, or the lasting prosperity of a group or family.
Literal Image
A crane lives for a thousand years, and a turtle lives for ten thousand years.
How to Use It
This phrase is used during formal celebrations such as weddings, milestone birthdays, or Respect for the Aged Day to offer well wishes to others.
Tone
Highly formal, auspicious, and celebratory.
Examples
鶴は千年亀は万年と言うように、いつまでもお元気でいてください。
As the saying goes, 'a crane a thousand years, a turtle ten thousand,' please stay healthy forever.
結婚式のスピーチで「鶴は千年亀は万年」と末永い幸せを祈った。
In the wedding speech, I prayed for their eternal happiness using the phrase 'a crane a thousand years, a turtle ten thousand.'
鶴は千年亀は万年の言葉通り、祖父は百歳を超えてなお健在だ。
True to the words 'a crane a thousand years, a turtle ten thousand,' my grandfather is still healthy even after passing the age of one hundred.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
The kanji and vocabulary are basic, but the length and its specific use as a formal ceremonial greeting make it more relevant to intermediate learners.
鶴
つる / tsuru
crane
千年
せんねん / sennen
a thousand years
亀
かめ / kame
turtle; tortoise
万年
まんねん / mannen
ten thousand years
Usage Profile
Usage note: This is a ceremonial phrase; it might feel overly stiff or dramatic in very casual conversation.
Misread Risk
Do not use this to describe actual biological life spans; it is a symbolic expression for celebrations.
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Source Note
Where did this entry get its data from? The reference links are listed below. To understand how to read this section, see Data Sources.