lóng龙dragonmǎ马horsejīng精refinedshen神spirit
Dragon-horse spirit — vigorous, energetic, full of life.
Literal meaning
dragon (龙) — horse (马) — refined (精) — spirit (神)
Origin
An auspicious four-character phrase combining 龙 (dragon, supreme energy) and 马 (horse, tireless work). Used since the Tang dynasty as a Chinese-New-Year blessing wishing someone the energy of these two animals combined — especially for the elderly.
Examples
Zhù祝nín您lóng龙mǎ马jīng精shen神，shēn身tǐ体jiàn健kāng康。
Wishing you vigorous spirit and good health.
Lǎo老rén人jiā家qī七shí十suì岁hái还lóng龙mǎ马jīng精shen神。
The old man is still full of energy at seventy.
Usage & nuances
Auspicious / blessing register. Standard line in Chinese New Year cards and toasts to elders.
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