Definition
传世 is a verb-object compound (离合词) meaning 'to be handed down through generations' or 'to be passed down to posterity'. It is used for cultural artifacts, works of art, literature, etc. that have enduring value. As a separable verb, you can insert a duration or measure word between 传 and 世, e.g., 传了几世 (passed down for several generations). It also appears attributively in phrases like 传世之作 (a masterpiece passed down through the ages).
v.o.
to be handed down through generationsto be passed down to posterity (of cultural artifacts, works of art, etc.)
Examples
- 传世。Zhè jiàn wénwù yǐjīng chuán shì qiān nián le.This artifact has been handed down for a thousand years.
- 。Zhè fú huà chuán le jǐ shì cái dào wǒmen shǒu zhōng.This painting was passed down for several generations before reaching our hands.
- 传世。Tā de zhùzuò shì chuán shì jīngdiǎn.His work is a classic passed down through generations.
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