多子多孙 (duō zǐ duō sūn) — (set phrase) may you have many children and grandchildren; a blessing for a large and prosperous family

Definition

A traditional auspicious blessing wishing a couple many children and grandchildren — a hallmark of family prosperity in Chinese culture, still seen on New Year pictures.

verb
(set phrase) may you have many children and grandchildrena blessing for a large and prosperous family

Examples

  • ，多子多孙。
    Lǎo rén zhù tā men xīn hūn kuài lè, duō zǐ duō sūn.
    The elder wished them a happy marriage and many children and grandchildren.
  • 多子多孙。
    Zhè fú nián huà shàng huà de shì duō zǐ duō sūn de jí xiáng tú àn.
    This New Year painting shows an auspicious pattern symbolizing many children and grandchildren.
  • ，多子多孙。
    Zài gǔ dài, duō zǐ duō sūn shì jiā tíng xìng fú de zhòng yào biāo zhì.
    In ancient times, having many children and grandchildren was an important sign of family happiness.

Origin

Characters in this word

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

多 originally showed two pieces of meat placed together; the repeated meat shape gives the sense of many.

Open 多 →

A drawing of the thing itself, worn down over three thousand years into a few strokes.

子 is drawn as a baby with a large head, arms stretched out, and legs wrapped in a blanket.

Open 子 →

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

多 originally showed two pieces of meat placed together; the repeated meat shape gives the sense of many.

Open 多 →

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 孫; 孙 is its simplified writing.

The traditional form 孫 pairs 子 (son) with 系 (continue), showing a line of descendants continuing. The simplified 孙 is a later shorthand, not the historical shape.

Open 孙 →

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