Definition
源远流长 (yuán yuǎn-liú cháng) is a set phrase meaning 'having a long history and enduring continuity' — used for traditions, cultures, friendships, or relationships that stretch far back and continue to the present. Unlike 老 (lǎo), which describes something or someone as old in age, 源远流长 emphasizes deep historical roots and ongoing influence, not mere age.
idiom
having a long history and enduring continuitygoing back to ancient times
Examples
- 源远流长，。Zhè tiáo héliú de wénmíng yuán yuǎn-liú cháng, kě zhuīsù dào xīn shíqì shídài.The civilization of this river has a long history, dating back to the Neolithic Age.
- 源远流长，。Liǎng suǒ dàxué zhī jiān de xuéshù jiāoliú yuán yuǎn-liú cháng, hézuò le shàng bǎi nián.The academic exchange between the two universities has deep roots and has lasted over a hundred years.
- 源远流长，。Wǒmen de yǒuyì yuán yuǎn-liú cháng, bú shì sān yán liǎng yǔ néng shuō qīng de.Our friendship has a long history — it can't be explained in just a few words.
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