# 山高水长

shān gāo shuǐ cháng

Enduring and far-reaching in worth or affection

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Mountains high and waters long

**Traditional Chinese:** 山高水長

**Register:** Formal · literary

[People & connection](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/relationships)

## When to use it

Use literary praise for lasting virtue or friendship.

Not simply a description of physical distance.

## Understanding the expression

A high mountain suggests greatness, and a long flowing river suggests continuity through time. Together they provide a spacious image for enduring character, influence, or affection. The expression appears in tributes and farewell wishes more often than casual conversation. When applied to friendship, it stresses lasting connection rather than frequent meetings. When applied to virtue, it honors a contribution that reaches beyond an immediate act or a brief period of recognition.

## Examples

老师的恩情山高水长。

### Traditional Chinese

老師的恩情山高水長。

lǎo shī de ēn qíng shān gāo shuǐ cháng 。

The teacher’s kindness is profound and enduring.

愿我们的友谊山高水长。

### Traditional Chinese

願我們的友誼山高水長。

yuàn wǒ men de yǒu yì shān gāo shuǐ cháng 。

May our friendship remain deep and lasting.

他的风范山高水长，后人常怀念。

### Traditional Chinese

他的風範山高水長，後人常懷念。

tā de fēng fàn shān gāo shuǐ cháng ， hòu rén cháng huái niàn 。

His admirable example endures, and later generations remember him.

分别多年，这份情谊依然山高水长。

### Traditional Chinese

分別多年，這份情誼依然山高水長。

fēn bié duō nián ， zhè fèn qíng yì yī rán shān gāo shuǐ cháng 。

Years after parting, this friendship remains profound and enduring.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E5%B1%B1%E9%AB%98%E6%B0%B4%E9%95%B7)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=757&webMd=1&la=0)

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