Nianmai is a respectful, formal way to describe someone who is very old.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to describe elderly people with respect.
- More formal and literary than the common word '老'.
- Frequently used in written Chinese and formal speech.
常见语境：常用于描述长辈，如父母、祖父母，或者在新闻报道中形容高龄人士。例如在描述一位老教授的退休生活时，使用“年迈”比使用“老”更得体、更有礼貌。
- 1近义词辨析：与“老”相比，“老”是通用词，口语化强，范围广；“年迈”侧重于岁数大，语体较正式，常含褒义或敬意。与“高龄”相比，“高龄”侧重于具体年龄很大，而“年迈”侧重于由于年龄大而表现出的衰老状态。
Examples
他照顾着年迈的母亲。
everydayHe takes care of his aged mother.
尽管年迈，他依然坚持工作。
formalDespite his advanced age, he still insists on working.
那位年迈的老爷爷在公园散步。
informalThat elderly grandfather is walking in the park.
该报告分析了年迈人口的医疗需求。
academicThe report analyzes the medical needs of the elderly population.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
年迈多病
old and sickly
体弱年迈
frail and aged
年迈之躯
an aged body
Often Confused With
General term for old, can be used for people, objects, or concepts. It lacks the specific formal nuance of '年迈'.
Refers specifically to an advanced age, often used in medical or statistical contexts. It is more neutral than '年迈'.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Nianmai is strictly for people. It is a formal term, so avoid using it in casual text messages with friends. It carries a positive, respectful connotation.
Common Mistakes
Do not use it to describe objects like old cars or houses. Beginners often overuse it; remember it is more formal than '老'. Ensure the context is respectful.
Tips
Use for formal respect
Choose '年迈' when you want to show respect for an elderly person in writing or formal speeches.
Avoid using with objects
Only use this word for people. Do not describe old items or buildings as '年迈'.
Respect for the elderly
Chinese culture places high value on respecting the elderly. Using respectful vocabulary like '年迈' reflects this cultural norm.
Word Origin
Derived from the combination of 'year' and the action of 'stepping/passing', signifying one has passed many years of life.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, aging is often associated with wisdom and experience. Using the term '年迈' acknowledges this dignity.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Nian' (year) + 'Mai' (stepping over). Imagine an old person stepping over many, many years.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“老”是口语词，用法广泛；“年迈”是书面语，更庄重，通常用于表达对长辈的尊重。
不可以，“年迈”专门用于形容年纪很大的人，形容年轻人会显得非常不自然或带有讽刺意味。
在正式谈话或文学叙述中会用，但在日常极随意的聊天中，人们更倾向于使用“岁数大了”或“老了”。
可以，通常中间加“的”，例如“年迈的祖母”。
Test Yourself
那位___的老人独自走在街上。
只有“年迈”可以形容老人的年龄状态。
选择正确项
“年迈”只能形容人。
请用“年迈”造句。
选项A符合语法且逻辑通顺。
Score: /3
Summary
Nianmai is a respectful, formal way to describe someone who is very old.
- Used to describe elderly people with respect.
- More formal and literary than the common word '老'.
- Frequently used in written Chinese and formal speech.
Use for formal respect
Choose '年迈' when you want to show respect for an elderly person in writing or formal speeches.
Avoid using with objects
Only use this word for people. Do not describe old items or buildings as '年迈'.
Respect for the elderly
Chinese culture places high value on respecting the elderly. Using respectful vocabulary like '年迈' reflects this cultural norm.
Examples
4 of 4他照顾着年迈的母亲。
He takes care of his aged mother.
尽管年迈，他依然坚持工作。
Despite his advanced age, he still insists on working.
那位年迈的老爷爷在公园散步。
That elderly grandfather is walking in the park.
该报告分析了年迈人口的医疗需求。
The report analyzes the medical needs of the elderly population.
