由来已久 (yóu lái yǐ jiǔ) — to be of long standing, to have existed for a long time

Definition

A four-character idiom meaning something has existed for a long time. Refers to the origin of a custom, tradition, or situation that goes far back in time.

idiom
to be of long standingto have existed for a long time

Examples

  • 由来已久。
    Zhè zhǒng chuán tǒng yóu lái yǐ jiǔ.
    This tradition has existed for a long time.
  • 由来已久，。
    Liǎng guó de yǒu hǎo guān xì yóu lái yǐ jiǔ, bù róng yì gǎi biàn.
    The friendly relations between the two countries are long-standing and not easily changed.
  • 由来已久，。
    Zhè ge chuán shuō yóu lái yǐ jiǔ, dàn zhī dào de rén bìng bù duō.
    This legend has been around for a long time, but not many people know about it.

Origin

Characters in this word

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

It began as a drawing of new shoots or leaves growing upward from a plant-like base.

Open 由 →

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

This origin belongs to the traditional form 來; 来 is its simplified writing.

The traditional form 來 shows a wheat plant: a central ear, upward leaves, and downward stem and roots. The simplified 来 is a later shorthand.

Open 来 →

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

The shape of 已 may originally have been a drawing of either a snake or a fetus.

Open 已 →

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

久 likely came from a simple drawing of an arrow tip.

Open 久 →

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