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A2 adjective 8 min read

年迈

nián mài
Examples 年迈 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 年迈 in your Level:
At the A1 level, you usually learn the word '老' (lǎo) to mean 'old'. '年迈' is a more advanced version of this concept. Think of '老' as 'old' and '年迈' as 'aged' or 'elderly'. You might see this word in very simple stories or when someone is talking respectfully about their grandpa or grandma. At this stage, just remember that '年迈' is used only for people. If you see it, it means the person is very old, perhaps 70 or 80 years old. It's a 'polite' way to say someone is old. In Chinese culture, being old is respected, so using a word like '年迈' shows that you are being polite. You can start by recognizing it in sentences like '我的爷爷年迈了' (My grandpa is aged). It's a good word to know because it appears in many children's books when describing wise old characters. Don't worry about using it in your own speaking yet, just try to recognize it when you read it. It helps you understand that Chinese has different words for 'old' depending on who or what you are talking about. Remember, '年' is year, and '迈' is like 'stepping' through the years. It's a beautiful way to think about growing old.
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At the A2 level, you are starting to use more descriptive adjectives. '年迈' (nián mài) is a perfect word to add to your vocabulary for describing family members. You should know that '年迈' is more formal than '老'. In your writing assignments, if you are writing a letter about your family, using '年迈的祖父母' (aged grandparents) will make your Chinese sound much more natural and respectful than just '老的祖父母'. You will also notice that '年迈' is often used with the word '已经' (yǐjīng - already), as in '他已经年迈了'. This shows a change in state. You should also be careful not to use it for objects like 'old books' or 'old houses'. At this level, you can practice using it in the structure: '年迈的' + [Person]. For example, '年迈的老师' (the aged teacher). This word is very common in reading passages about filial piety (respecting parents), which is a big topic in Chinese learning. Learning '年迈' helps you distinguish between informal and formal speech, which is a key skill as you progress to higher levels. It shows you are moving beyond basic survival Chinese into more expressive language.
At the B1 level, you should be able to use '年迈' (nián mài) in both written and spoken contexts where formality is required. You will encounter this word frequently in news reports about social issues, such as the aging population (老龄化社会). In these contexts, '年迈' is used to describe the demographic of elderly people who might need care or support. You should also understand the nuances between '年迈' and other similar words like '苍老' (cānglǎo). While '年迈' focuses on the fact of being old, '苍老' focuses on the physical appearance of being old (wrinkles, gray hair). A person can be '年迈' but not look '苍老' if they take good care of themselves. You can also use '年迈' to discuss the responsibilities of the younger generation, such as '照顾年迈的父母' (taking care of aged parents). In your essays, using '年迈' instead of '老' will significantly improve your formal register. You should also be able to recognize it in more complex sentence structures, such as those using '尽管...但...' (despite... but...). For example, '尽管他年迈体弱，但他依然热衷于公益事业' (Despite being aged and weak, he is still passionate about public welfare). This level of expression is expected at B1.
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At the B2 level, you should have a deep understanding of the literary and emotional connotations of '年迈' (nián mài). It is not just a word for age; it often carries a sense of nostalgia, respect, or even the fragility of life. You will find '年迈' in high-level literature and sophisticated journalism. You should be able to contrast it with very formal or archaic terms like '耄耋' (màodié) or '古稀' (gǔxī). '年迈' is the middle ground—more formal than '老' but less specialized than '耄耋'. At this level, you should also be aware of how '年迈' is used in idioms or fixed expressions, though it is often used as a standalone adjective. You can use it to create vivid descriptions in your creative writing. For instance, '年迈的背影' (an aged silhouette) can evoke a strong sense of emotion in a story. You should also be comfortable using it in debates about social policy, healthcare for the elderly, and retirement. Understanding the '迈' (mài) in '年迈' as 'passing through' or 'stepping' helps you appreciate the word's poetic quality. At B2, your usage should be precise, avoiding the common mistake of using it for non-human subjects while utilizing its formal tone to enhance your professional communication.
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At the C1 level, your mastery of '年迈' (nián mài) should include an appreciation of its role in the 'written vs. spoken' (书面语 vs. 口语) dichotomy of the Chinese language. You should be able to identify when an author uses '年迈' to deliberately slow down the pace of a narrative or to add a layer of solemnity. You will see '年迈' in academic papers on gerontology, in historical biographies of emperors, and in classic modern literature like the works of Ba Jin or Lao She. You should be able to use it in complex grammatical constructions, such as using it as a nominalized adjective or in parallel structures. For example, '年迈并非衰老的代名词' (Being aged is not synonymous with being decrepit). You should also explore the etymological roots of '迈'—its connection to 'miles' (迈克) in modern phonetic loanwords vs. its original meaning of 'walking' or 'exceeding'. This helps in understanding the word's evolution. At C1, you should also be sensitive to the subtle differences in tone when '年迈' is used with different adverbs of degree, and how it can be used ironically in certain literary contexts. Your ability to swap '年迈' with more obscure synonyms depending on the desired 'flavor' of the text is a hallmark of C1 proficiency.
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At the C2 level, '年迈' (nián mài) is a word you not only know but can manipulate for stylistic effect. You understand its place within the vast spectrum of Chinese chronological descriptors. You can analyze how '年迈' functions in the transition from Classical Chinese (文言文) to Modern Mandarin (白话文), noting how it retained its formal dignity while other words became more colloquial. You should be able to use '年迈' in high-level translations, ensuring that the 'weight' of the English 'aged' or 'venerable' is correctly captured. In your own writing, you might use '年迈' to contrast with the '稚嫩' (zhìnèn - callow/young) of youth, creating a balanced, rhythmic prose. You are also aware of the word's frequency in different genres—how it might appear in a legal document regarding inheritance versus a poetic reflection on the autumn of life. At this level, you can also discuss the sociological implications of the word—how the label '年迈' affects societal perceptions of the elderly in China. You are a master of the word's collocations, knowing exactly which nouns and verbs pair with it to create the most 'native' sounding phrases. Your use of '年迈' is seamless, reflecting a deep cultural and linguistic integration.
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Examples

年迈 in 30 Seconds

  • 年迈 is a formal Chinese adjective meaning 'aged' or 'elderly', used specifically for people.
  • It is more respectful and literary than the common word 老 (lǎo).
  • It is frequently used in written texts, news, and formal speeches to describe the elderly.
  • Commonly paired with family titles like parents or grandparents to show filial respect.
The Chinese word 年迈 (nián mài) is a formal and evocative adjective used to describe someone who is of advanced age. While the common word 老 (lǎo) is used in everyday conversation to mean 'old', 年迈 carries a more literary and respectful weight. It is often found in written texts, news reports, and formal literature. The character 年 (nián) means 'year' or 'age', and 迈 (mài) means 'to step' or 'to pass'. Together, they literally translate to 'the years have passed' or 'stepping into many years'. This word is almost exclusively used for humans, specifically those who are elderly. You wouldn't use it to describe an old car or an old building; for those, you would use words like 旧 (jiù) or 古老 (gǔlǎo). Using 年迈 implies a sense of dignity, but it can also subtly suggest the physical decline or the vulnerability that comes with being very old. It is a word that shows the speaker's education and their respectful attitude toward the subject.
Semantic Nuance
Unlike the simple 'old', 年迈 suggests a long life lived and the physical state of being aged. It is often paired with nouns like 父母 (parents), 老人 (elderly person), or 祖父母 (grandparents) in formal contexts.

虽然他已经 年迈，但他的头脑依然非常清醒。(Although he is already aged, his mind is still very clear.)

Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, respecting the elderly is a core value (filial piety). Using formal terms like 年迈 instead of the blunt '老' shows a level of linguistic politeness and social awareness.

照顾 年迈 的双亲是子女的责任。(Taking care of aged parents is the responsibility of children.)

Collocational Strength
It is frequently used in the structure '年迈的 + Noun'. Common nouns include 祖父 (grandfather), 母亲 (mother), and 教授 (professor).

那位 年迈 的艺术家依然在创作。(That aged artist is still creating.)

他因 年迈 体弱而不得不退休。(He had to retire due to old age and physical weakness.)

在 年迈 之际，他回到了家乡。(In his old age, he returned to his hometown.)

This word helps paint a picture of someone who has seen many years pass by, emphasizing the weight of time rather than just a chronological number. It is a key word for achieving a higher register of Chinese expression.
Using 年迈 correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical function as an adjective. Primarily, it functions as an attributive modifier, placed directly before a noun with the particle 的 (de). For example, 年迈的祖母 (the aged grandmother). In this position, it provides a descriptive quality to the person. It can also function as a predicate, usually following a subject and an adverb of degree like 非常 (very) or 已经 (already), as in 他已经年迈了 (He is already aged). However, when used as a predicate, it often takes the modal particle 了 at the end of the sentence to indicate a change in state or the realization of a condition.
Attributive Use
This is the most common usage. It modifies the noun that follows it. It is more descriptive than '老的'. Example: 年迈的国王 (The aged king).

这位 年迈 的老师深受学生的爱戴。(This aged teacher is deeply loved by his students.)

Predicative Use
Used to state the condition of the subject. Example: 她的父母已经年迈。(Her parents are already aged.)

尽管爷爷 年迈，他每天仍坚持散步。(Despite being aged, Grandpa still insists on walking every day.)

Comparison with '老'
'老' is versatile and informal. '年迈' is specific to humans and formal. You can say '老树' (old tree) but not '年迈的树'.

对于 年迈 的人来说，健康是最重要的。(For aged people, health is the most important thing.)

这位 年迈 的孤寡老人需要社会的关注。(This aged and lonely elderly person needs social attention.)

他的 年迈 并没有减弱他的意志力。(His old age did not weaken his willpower.)

In summary, 年迈 is a sophisticated way to describe the elderly in formal writing, emphasizing the passage of time and the dignity of age.
You are most likely to encounter 年迈 in literary contexts, such as novels, biographies, and historical accounts. It is a staple of 'written Chinese' (书面语 - shūmiànyǔ). Authors use it to create a mood of gravity or to show respect to a character. In news broadcasts or newspapers, when discussing the aging population or reporting on an elderly public figure, 年迈 is the standard term. You will also hear it in formal speeches, particularly those regarding family values or social welfare. It is rarely heard in casual street slang or among young people chatting, as it would sound overly dramatic or 'bookish'.
News & Media
Used to describe the elderly population in a demographic context or to refer to aging leaders with respect.

政府正致力于为 年迈 公民提供更好的医疗保障。(The government is committed to providing better medical security for aged citizens.)

Literature & Novels
Writers use '年迈' to describe the physical appearance of characters, often pairing it with '苍老' (cānglǎo - old and gray) or '体弱' (tǐruò - weak).

小说描写了一位 年迈 的水手独自出海的故事。(The novel describes the story of an aged sailor going to sea alone.)

Formal Speeches
Politicians or community leaders use it when talking about 'silver hair' economies or caring for the aged.

我们不能忘记那些为国家做出贡献的 年迈 英雄。(We must not forget those aged heroes who contributed to the country.)

他在 年迈 之时依然保持着学习的热情。(He still maintained his passion for learning in his old age.)

社区为 年迈 的居民组织了书法比赛。(The community organized a calligraphy competition for aged residents.)

Understanding the context of 年迈 helps learners transition from basic conversational Chinese to a more professional and literary level of fluency.
One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is using 年迈 to describe inanimate objects. In English, 'old' can be used for people, cars, books, and ideas. In Chinese, however, adjectives for 'old' are highly specific. Using 年迈 to describe an 'old car' (年迈的车) is incorrect and sounds quite humorous to native speakers, as it personifies the car. Another common error is using 年迈 in very casual, everyday conversation where 老 (lǎo) would be more appropriate. For instance, saying '我年迈了' (I am aged) to a friend when you're only 30 sounds sarcastic or overly dramatic.
Mistake: Misapplying to Objects
年迈 is only for people. For objects, use '旧' (jiù - old/worn) or '古老' (gǔlǎo - ancient).

Incorrect: 这是一本 年迈 的书。(This is an aged book.) Correct: 这是一本古老的书。

Mistake: Tone Mismatch
Using 年迈 in a casual setting can make you sound like you are reading from a textbook. Use '老' for friends and family in daily life.

Incorrect: 嘿，你看起来很 年迈。(Hey, you look very aged.) Correct: 你看起来老了点。

Confusing with '高龄' (Gāolíng)
'高龄' is a noun or an adjective meaning 'advanced age'. '年迈' is purely descriptive. You say '高龄产妇' (advanced age mother), but '年迈的母亲' (aged mother).

他已经九十 高龄 了。(He is already ninety years of age.)

由于祖母 年迈，我们决定请个保姆。(Because grandmother is aged, we decided to hire a nanny.)

这种 年迈 的表现让人心疼。(This manifestation of old age makes one feel pity.)

By avoiding these common pitfalls, you will use 年迈 with the precision of a native speaker.
Chinese has many ways to express 'old', each with its own specific register and nuance. Understanding these alternatives will help you choose the right word for the right situation.
老 (Lǎo)
The most general word for old. Used for people, things, and experiences. It is neutral and can be used in almost any context.
年老 (Niánlǎo)
Very similar to 年迈, but slightly less formal. It focus more on the 'age' (年) aspect rather than the 'passing of time' (迈).
苍老 (Cānglǎo)
Describes an 'old appearance'. It often implies wrinkles, gray hair, and a weathered face. It is more visual than 年迈.

他的面容显得十分 苍老。(His face looks very old and weathered.)

古稀 (Gǔxī)
A literary term specifically for being 70 years old. From the poem 'Life since ancient times, seventy is rare'.

他已近 古稀 之年，但依然精神抖擞。(He is nearly seventy, but still full of energy.)

耄耋 (Màodié)
An extremely formal and literary term for people in their 80s and 90s. Very high level.

这位 耄耋 老人是历史的见证者。(This nonagenarian is a witness to history.)

虽然他 年迈，但他的心依然年轻。(Although he is aged, his heart is still young.)

面对 年迈 的挑战，他选择了乐观。(Facing the challenges of old age, he chose optimism.)

Choosing among these depends on how formal you want to be and whether you are describing a person's age or their appearance.
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Examples by Level

1

我的爷爷年迈了。

My grandfather is aged.

Subject + Adjective + 了 (indicates a change in state).

2

年迈的人需要休息。

Aged people need rest.

年迈的 + Noun.

3

她有一位年迈的奶奶。

She has an aged grandmother.

Attributive use with '的'.

4

年迈的老人很聪明。

Aged elderly people are very smart.

Describing a quality.

5

他不年迈，他很年轻。

He is not aged, he is very young.

Negative form using '不'.

6

年迈的老师在说话。

The aged teacher is speaking.

Subject as an aged person.

7

我的父母不年迈。

My parents are not aged.

Simple negation.

8

看，那位年迈的先生。

Look, that aged gentleman.

Demonstrative phrase.

1

这位年迈的医生很有名。

This aged doctor is very famous.

Classifier + Adjective + Noun.

2

爷爷已经年迈，不能跑了。

Grandpa is already aged and cannot run anymore.

已经...不能... (already... cannot...).

3

我们要照顾年迈的父母。

We need to take care of aged parents.

Verb + Object (Adjective + Noun).

4

年迈的祖父喜欢听音乐。

The aged grandfather likes listening to music.

Describing a habit.

5

他虽然年迈，但是身体很好。

Although he is aged, his health is very good.

虽然...但是... (although... but...).

6

年迈的邻居送给我一些花。

The aged neighbor gave me some flowers.

Subject with modifier.

7

这位年迈的奶奶很慈祥。

This aged grandmother is very kind.

Describing personality.

8

年迈的人常常想家。

Aged people often miss home.

Describing a common feeling.

1

由于年迈，他不得不离开工作岗位。

Due to old age, he had to leave his job.

由于 (due to) + Noun/Adjective.

2

年迈的父母需要子女更多的陪伴。

Aged parents need more companionship from their children.

Subject + Verb + Object.

3

这位年迈的科学家获得了大奖。

This aged scientist won a major award.

Modifier in a complex subject.

4

随着年龄增长，人会变得年迈。

As age increases, people will become aged.

随着 (along with) + Verb/Noun.

5

他为了照顾年迈的母亲辞职了。

He resigned in order to take care of his aged mother.

为了 (in order to) + Action.

6

年迈的身体不再像以前那样强壮。

An aged body is no longer as strong as before.

不再像...那样 (no longer like... that).

7

那位年迈的艺术家依然每天画画。

That aged artist still paints every day.

Adverb + Verb.

8

政府为年迈的人提供免费体检。

The government provides free medical check-ups for aged people.

为...提供... (provide... for...).

1

他那双年迈的手布满了皱纹。

Those aged hands of his were covered in wrinkles.

Describing a part of the body.

2

年迈并不是放弃梦想的理由。

Being aged is not a reason to give up on dreams.

年迈 as a noun-like subject.

3

他因年迈而丧失了部分记忆。

He lost part of his memory due to old age.

因...而... (because of... then...).

4

年迈的国王正面临着国家的危机。

The aged king is facing a national crisis.

Formal narrative context.

5

在这个年迈的社区里，生活节奏很慢。

In this aged community, the pace of life is very slow.

Metaphorical use for a group/place.

6

她那年迈的嗓音依然动听。

Her aged voice is still pleasant to hear.

Abstract noun modification.

7

面对年迈，他表现得非常从容。

Facing old age, he behaved very calmly.

Facing a condition.

8

年迈的教授在讲台上神采奕奕。

The aged professor was glowing on the podium.

Contrasting age with energy.

1

作者在书中流露出对年迈父母的深切关怀。

The author reveals deep concern for aged parents in the book.

Formal literary analysis.

2

年迈的躯体包裹着一个年轻的灵魂。

An aged body envelops a young soul.

Metaphorical/Philosophical.

3

他步入年迈之年，开始反思人生。

Stepping into his aged years, he began to reflect on life.

步入...之年 (stepping into the years of...).

4

年迈的弊端在此时显露无遗。

The disadvantages of old age were fully revealed at this time.

Abstract noun phrase.

5

这位年迈的学者一生致力于古籍研究。

This aged scholar dedicated his life to the study of ancient books.

Describing a life's work.

6

年迈使他的行动变得迟缓，但智慧却与日俱增。

Old age made his movements slow, but his wisdom grew day by day.

Cause and effect with contrast.

7

他并没有因为年迈而感到孤独。

He did not feel lonely because of being aged.

Negation of cause.

8

年迈的黄昏，他独自坐在长椅上。

In the evening of his old age, he sat alone on a bench.

Poetic use.

1

岁月的洗礼让这位年迈的智者更显深邃。

The baptism of years made this aged sage appear even more profound.

High-level literary style.

2

年迈并非生命的终结，而是另一种境界的开始。

Old age is not the end of life, but the beginning of another realm.

Philosophical assertion.

3

他以年迈之躯，扛起了家族的重担。

With his aged body, he took up the heavy burden of the family.

以...之躯 (with the body of...).

4

年迈的忧伤在诗人的笔下化作了永恒。

The sorrow of old age turned into eternity under the poet's pen.

Abstract literary subject.

5

纵使年迈，其志向亦不减当年。

Even if aged, his ambition is no less than in his prime.

Classical phrasing (纵使...亦...).

6

年迈的钟声在空旷的山谷中回荡。

The aged bell-sound echoed in the empty valley.

Personification/Atmospheric.

7

他那年迈的目光中透着对往事的眷恋。

In his aged gaze, there was a lingering attachment to the past.

Describing abstract qualities through age.

8

年迈的尊严不容任何亵渎。

The dignity of the aged allows for no desecration.

Strong formal statement.

Common Collocations

年迈的父母
年迈的老人
年迈体弱
已经年迈
年迈之际
年迈的祖父
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