源远流长 yuányuǎn-liúcháng literally source is distant and the flow is long
literally source is distant and the flow is long (idiom); figuratively something goes back to the dim and distant past; a lot of water has flowed under the bridge since then
How to remember 源远流长: 源 spring + 远 far + 流 flow + 长 long = literally source is distant and the flow is long.
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How it is used
- Idiom: 'the source is distant and the stream long' - having a long, deep history - 中华文化源远流长 (Zhōnghuá wénhuà yuányuǎn liúcháng) Chinese culture has a long, rich history.
- Praises the deep historical roots and enduring continuity of a culture, tradition, or friendship.
- Formal, complimentary set phrase; use it whole to describe long heritage.