Definition
祝寿 is a separable verb (离合词) meaning 'to offer birthday congratulations to an elderly person'. It is used specifically for seniors (usually 60+), not for children or young adults. The verb 祝 can separate from 寿 when inserting a measure word or modifier: 祝了个寿 ('offered a birthday greeting'), 祝过寿 ('have offered birthday wishes'). The object is introduced with 给: 给老人祝寿.
v.o.
to offer birthday congratulations (to an elderly person)
Examples
- ,祝寿。Měinián Chūnjié hòu, wǒmen dōu huì gěi nǎinai zhù shòu.Every year after Spring Festival, we offer birthday congratulations to Grandma.
- ,。Zuótiān gěi yéye zhù le ge shòu, quánjiā dōu hěn kāixīn.Yesterday we offered birthday wishes to Grandpa, and the whole family was very happy.
- 祝寿。Cūn lǐ wèi bǎi suì lǎorén jǔxíng le yì chǎng lóngzhòng de zhù shòu yíshì.The village held a grand birthday ceremony for the centenarian.
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