寿

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 寿 is read ことぶき here and expresses celebration or wishes for a long life.
• Basic usage: In 家族が祖父母の寿を願って紅白の餅を用意した。, the family prepares red and white rice cakes to wish the grandparents longevity.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• A character of celebration
  • On the scroll bearing 寿の字, one character conveys congratulations; in 祖父母の寿を願って, the wish is for longevity. The central sense depends on what is being celebrated or wished for.