Definition
万岁 is a traditional cheer meaning 'long live', used since imperial times. In modern China it appears in patriotic slogans like 中华人民共和国万岁. Historically it was also an honorific title for the emperor, referring to the ruler's 'ten thousand years' of life. The word functions as both an exclamation and a noun meaning 'Your Majesty'.
noun
long live (used as a cheer)(historical) the emperor / Your Majesty
Examples
- 万岁！Zhōnghuá Rénmín Gònghéguó wàn suì!Long live the People's Republic of China!
- “万岁”。Gǔdài bǎixìng jiàn dào huángdì yào hǎn “wàn suì”.In ancient times, commoners had to shout 'Long live the emperor' when they saw him.
- “万岁”。Zhèxiē wénwù shàng kè zhe “wàn suì” èr zì.These artifacts are engraved with the characters 'long live.'
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