万里
How to Understand
万里 is a Chinese phrase that literally means 'ten thousand miles.' It is often used metaphorically to refer to an extremely long distance or a great journey, both physical and figurative. Unlike the literal term 'miles,' 万里 carries a poetic and symbolic weight, suggesting something vast, challenging, or enduring.
The character 万 (wàn) means 'ten thousand' and is commonly used as a measure of large numbers. 里 (lǐ) is a traditional Chinese unit of distance, approximately equal to 0.5 kilometers. Together, 万里 evokes a sense of scale and magnitude that goes beyond mere measurement.
万里 is frequently found in idioms and poetic expressions, such as 万里长征 (wàn lǐ cháng zhēng), meaning 'Long March,' which refers to the famous historical retreat of the Chinese Communist Party. It is also used in modern contexts to describe long-term goals or difficult journeys, making it a powerful and evocative expression in both written and spoken Chinese.