历史悠久
Have a long history
Literalmente: History (历史) long and distant (悠久)
Use it to show respect for the age and heritage of places, traditions, or institutions.
En 15 segundos
- Describes things with a long, prestigious history.
- Use for cities, traditions, brands, or universities.
- Never use it to describe an elderly person's age.
Significado
This phrase describes something that has been around for a very long time. It is the perfect way to say a place, tradition, or brand has deep roots and a rich heritage.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Visiting a famous temple
这座寺庙历史悠久，建于唐代。
This temple has a long history; it was built in the Tang Dynasty.
Introducing your university
我们学校是一所历史悠久的名校。
Our school is a famous university with a long history.
Talking about a family tradition
我们家过中秋节的传统历史悠久。
Our family's Mid-Autumn Festival traditions have a long history.
Contexto cultural
This four-character idiom (Chengyu) reflects the deep-seated Chinese pride in their civilization's longevity. It is frequently used in official media to emphasize national identity and the continuity of cultural practices. It became a staple of modern vocabulary as China began promoting its historical sites for global tourism.
The 'De' Rule
If you use it before a noun, always add `的` (e.g., `历史悠久的文化`). If it's at the end of the sentence, you don't need it.
Not for People!
Never use this for your elderly relatives. It makes them sound like ancient ruins or fossils. Use `高寿` (gāoshòu) for a respectful way to mention old age.
En 15 segundos
- Describes things with a long, prestigious history.
- Use for cities, traditions, brands, or universities.
- Never use it to describe an elderly person's age.
What It Means
Think of 历史悠久 as the ultimate compliment for anything old. It is not just about age. It implies that something has survived the test of time. It suggests a sense of prestige and continuity. You use it when 'old' feels too simple. It adds a layer of respect to the conversation.
How To Use It
This phrase usually functions as an adjective. You can put it after a noun using 的. For example: 历史悠久的城市. You can also use it as a predicate. Just say 这个品牌历史悠久. It is very flexible. It sounds sophisticated but is easy to slot into sentences. It is like the 'little black dress' of Chinese adjectives.
When To Use It
Use it when you are a tourist. Use it when talking about your hometown. It is great for business meetings too. If you are describing a university, use this. If you are at a 100-year-old noodle shop, use this. It makes you sound like you appreciate culture. It shows you aren't just looking at the surface.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for people. Calling your grandma 历史悠久 is a one-way ticket to a lecture. It is for things, places, or abstract concepts. Also, do not use it for things that are just 'old' but not 'historic'. Your two-week-old leftovers in the fridge are not 历史悠久. They are just gross. Stick to things with actual heritage.
Cultural Background
China is obsessed with its 5,000-year history. This phrase is a cornerstone of that pride. It appears in textbooks, travel brochures, and speeches. It reflects the Chinese value of 'the older, the better'. In the West, we love 'new and improved'. In China, 'old and established' often carries more weight. It represents stability and wisdom.
Common Variations
If you want to sound even more poetic, try 源远流长. This means 'a long source and a distant flow'. It is like saying history is a river. For a more casual vibe, you might just say 老字号. This refers specifically to old, famous shops. But 历史悠久 remains the gold standard. It is the most versatile and recognized version.
Notas de uso
This is a formal/neutral phrase. It is highly respected in writing and formal speech but can be used in daily life to show appreciation for heritage. Avoid using it for mundane objects or people.
The 'De' Rule
If you use it before a noun, always add `的` (e.g., `历史悠久的文化`). If it's at the end of the sentence, you don't need it.
Not for People!
Never use this for your elderly relatives. It makes them sound like ancient ruins or fossils. Use `高寿` (gāoshòu) for a respectful way to mention old age.
The 'Laozihao' Connection
In China, shops with `历史悠久` are called `老字号` (Lǎozìhào). Seeing this title is like a government-certified 'stamp of quality' for traditional brands.
Ejemplos
6这座寺庙历史悠久，建于唐代。
This temple has a long history; it was built in the Tang Dynasty.
Standard use for historical architecture.
我们学校是一所历史悠久的名校。
Our school is a famous university with a long history.
Adds a sense of prestige to the institution.
我们家过中秋节的传统历史悠久。
Our family's Mid-Autumn Festival traditions have a long history.
Applies the phrase to abstract cultural practices.
贵公司历史悠久，信誉卓著。
Your company has a long history and an outstanding reputation.
A classic way to flatter a business partner.
这家面馆历史悠久，味道绝了！
This noodle shop is legendary (long history), the taste is amazing!
Hyperbolic use in a casual setting to mean 'established'.
你桌子上的这些灰尘真是历史悠久啊。
The dust on your desk really has a long history.
Sarcastic use to joke about how long someone hasn't cleaned.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the best word to describe a 2,000-year-old city.
西安是一座___的城市。
While '时间很长' is grammatically okay, '历史悠久' is the specific, elegant term for historical cities.
Which sentence is INCORRECT?
___
You cannot use '历史悠久' to describe a person's age; it sounds like you are calling them a museum artifact.
🎉 Puntuación: /2
Ayudas visuales
Formality of 'Long History' Expressions
Using 'old' or 'long time'
时间很长 (Shíjiān hěn cháng)
The most common balanced way
历史悠久 (Lìshǐ yōujiǔ)
Poetic or literary style
源远流长 (Yuányuǎnliúcháng)
Where to use 历史悠久
Tourism
Ancient Great Wall
Business
Established Brands
Education
Old Universities
Culture
Tea Ceremonies
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasNot really. 10 years isn't long enough for 历史悠久. It usually implies decades or centuries of significance.
Yes, but it might sound a bit 'extra' or dramatic unless you are talking about something truly impressive like a famous landmark.
古老 (gǔlǎo) just means 'ancient'. 历史悠久 focuses more on the *continuity* and the story behind the age.
In the tech world, maybe! But usually, it's reserved for companies with at least 50+ years of heritage.
No, it is almost always positive. If you want to say something is just 'old and outdated', you'd use 陈旧 (chénjiù).
Yes, it is a four-character idiom. These are considered very idiomatic and 'proper' Chinese.
You can say 历史更悠久. For example: 中国的茶文化比咖啡文化历史更悠久.
It's a bit formal for friends. Use 多年的交情 (duōnián de jiāoqing) instead to sound more natural.
Absolutely. It's a very lyrical phrase often used in patriotic songs or descriptions of landscapes.
Yes, it is very common to say 中国是一个历史悠久的国家.
Frases relacionadas
源远流长
Long-standing and well-established (like a river)
古色古香
Having an antique flavor/style
老字号
Time-honored brand/shop
悠久
Long (in time), age-old
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