Nianlao is a formal adjective describing a person who has reached an advanced age.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to describe a person who is old.
- Functions primarily as an adjective.
- Standard term for advanced age.
1) 概述：‘年老’是一个形容词，专门用于描述人进入了生命周期中的老年阶段。它强调的是年龄增长带来的生理变化，是描述长者状态最基础、最直接的词汇。
2) 使用模式：在句子中，‘年老’常作定语或谓语。例如‘年老的父亲’（定语）或‘他虽然年老，但身体很硬朗’（谓语）。它通常不用于描述物品，只用于描述人。
3) 常见语境：该词常出现在描述家庭成员、社会长者或文学作品中对人物外貌的描写。在日常对话中，人们有时会使用更口语化的词汇，但‘年老’在书面语和正式叙述中非常标准。
4) 近义词辨析：与‘老年’相比，‘老年’是名词（如：老年人），而‘年老’是形容词；与‘老’相比，‘年老’显得更书面化、更正式。‘高龄’则带有对长者的尊敬之意，而‘年老’则偏向于生理状态的客观描述。
Examples
我的祖父虽然年老，但记忆力很好。
everydayAlthough my grandfather is old, he has a good memory.
年老体弱者应当得到社会的关爱。
formalThe elderly and frail should receive care from society.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
年老色衰
Old age and fading beauty
Often Confused With
This is a noun referring to the 'old age' period of life, whereas '年老' is the adjective describing the person.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Nianlao is formal and objective. It is rarely used in casual, friendly conversation where '老' or '年纪大' is preferred. Avoid using it to address someone directly as it may sound clinical.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use it for objects, which is incorrect. Another mistake is using it as a noun; remember it is an adjective that needs to modify a person or act as a predicate.
Tips
Use for People Only
Always remember that '年老' is strictly for humans. Using it for objects will sound unnatural to native speakers.
Avoid Potential Rudeness
While '年老' is neutral, calling someone directly '年老' can sometimes sound blunt. Using '老年人' or '长辈' is often more polite.
Respect for Elders
In Chinese culture, emphasizing age often implies respect. Use terms like '高龄' when speaking to or about someone you want to honor.
Word Origin
The word combines '年' (years) and '老' (old), literally meaning 'having many years'. It has been used in Chinese literature for centuries to denote the later stage of human life.
Cultural Context
In Chinese society, aging is traditionally associated with wisdom. Using formal language like '年老' or '长者' reflects the cultural value placed on respecting one's elders.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Nian' (year) + 'Lao' (old). A person with many years behind them is '年老'.
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questions“老”是通用词，既可指年龄大，也可指经验丰富或物体陈旧。“年老”则专门指人的年龄大，语体比“老”更正式。
不可以。形容东西陈旧应该使用“旧”或“古老”，而“年老”只能用来描述人。
它是一个中性词。它仅仅是对年龄状态的客观描述，不带有褒贬色彩。
Test Yourself
那位___的先生坐在公园的长椅上休息。
只有‘年老’可以用来形容人。
Score: /1
Summary
Nianlao is a formal adjective describing a person who has reached an advanced age.
- Used to describe a person who is old.
- Functions primarily as an adjective.
- Standard term for advanced age.
Use for People Only
Always remember that '年老' is strictly for humans. Using it for objects will sound unnatural to native speakers.
Avoid Potential Rudeness
While '年老' is neutral, calling someone directly '年老' can sometimes sound blunt. Using '老年人' or '长辈' is often more polite.
Respect for Elders
In Chinese culture, emphasizing age often implies respect. Use terms like '高龄' when speaking to or about someone you want to honor.
Examples
2 of 2我的祖父虽然年老，但记忆力很好。
Although my grandfather is old, he has a good memory.
年老体弱者应当得到社会的关爱。
The elderly and frail should receive care from society.
