祝寿 (zhù shòu) literally means 'to wish longevity'—'祝' (zhù) means 'to wish' or 'to celebrate', and '寿' (shòu) means 'longevity' or 'life span'. Though it can refer to any birthday, it carries a strong cultural connotation of honoring elders, especially those aged 60 or older, reflecting Confucian values of filial piety and respect for seniority. Traditionally, 祝寿 involves family gatherings, red decorations, longevity noodles, and gifts like peaches or scrolls with auspicious characters.

The term is formal and warm, commonly used in spoken and written Chinese when describing ceremonial birthday celebrations—not casual 'happy birthday' wishes among peers. It often appears in invitations ('为奶奶祝寿'), news reports about public figures, or nostalgic stories about family traditions. Unlike the neutral term 过生日 (guò shēngrì), 祝寿 implies reverence, intentionality, and intergenerational connection.