古老 describes something with a long history and deep cultural significance.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Describes something that has existed for a very long time.
- Often carries a sense of history, value, or tradition.
- Commonly used for architecture, cultures, and legends.
Overview
- 1概述：古老是一个形容词，用来描述事物存在的时间非常久远。它不仅指物理上的年代感，还带有一种历史积淀和文化厚重感。2) 使用模式：古老通常修饰名词，如“古老的城市”、“古老的传说”。它也可以作为谓语，例如“这座建筑很古老”。3) 常见语境：在描述旅游景点时，常说“古老的城墙”；在谈论文化时，常说“古老的传统”；在文学描述中，常用于描写“古老的森林”或“古老的智慧”。4) 近义词辨析：与“陈旧”相比，古老通常带有褒义，强调历史价值和珍贵感，而陈旧则偏向于指东西破旧或过时。与“久远”相比，古老更侧重于事物本身的状态，而久远侧重于时间跨度。
Examples
这棵树非常古老。
everydayThis tree is very ancient.
中国有着古老的历史。
formalChina has an ancient history.
听听这个古老的故事吧。
informalListen to this ancient story.
该地区保留了古老的建筑风格。
academicThe region has preserved ancient architectural styles.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
古老而神秘
Ancient and mysterious
古老的土地
Ancient land
古老的传说
Ancient legend
Often Confused With
陈旧 emphasizes that something is worn out or outdated. It often has a negative connotation, unlike the respected tone of '古老'.
久远 refers specifically to the long duration of time. It is more abstract and often used to describe memories or history.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word '古老' is neutral to formal. It is widely used in both daily conversation and written texts. Always place it before a noun or after a subject as a predicate adjective.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use '古老' for objects that are just 'old' in terms of usage (like a worn-out shirt). Remember that '古老' implies historical significance. Avoid using it for things that are simply not new.
Tips
Use for positive historical context
Use '古老' when you want to emphasize the value or beauty of something from the past. Avoid using it for things that are just broken or worn out.
Do not use for modern items
Do not call a 5-year-old phone '古老'. It sounds sarcastic or incorrect; use '旧' instead.
China's ancient history
China is often referred to as a '古老的国家' (ancient country) to highlight its five-thousand-year-old civilization.
Word Origin
The character '古' represents an old shield or tool, while '老' depicts an elderly person. Together they signify things that have lasted through generations.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, '古老' is often associated with wisdom, respect, and heritage. Calling something '古老' is usually a way to show appreciation for its endurance.
Memory Tip
Think of '古' (ancient) + '老' (old). Together they form a double-strength word for things that have stood the test of time.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“旧”通常指东西用了很久或者不是新的，有时带有负面含义。而“古老”强调的是历史悠久，通常带有赞美或尊重之意。
一般不直接形容人的年龄，除非是文学修辞。形容人年纪大通常使用“年长”或“高龄”。
它既可以在口语中使用，也可以在正式的书面语中使用，是一个非常通用的词汇。
这取决于语境。它可以指几十年、几百年，甚至是几千年的历史。
Test Yourself
中国是一个拥有_____文明的国家。
形容文明历史悠久，古老是最恰当的词。
哪一项最适合用“古老”来形容？
古老常用于形容传说、文化或建筑。
选择正确的语序。
形容词作谓语时，前面常加“真”或“很”。
Score: /3
Summary
古老 describes something with a long history and deep cultural significance.
- Describes something that has existed for a very long time.
- Often carries a sense of history, value, or tradition.
- Commonly used for architecture, cultures, and legends.
Use for positive historical context
Use '古老' when you want to emphasize the value or beauty of something from the past. Avoid using it for things that are just broken or worn out.
Do not use for modern items
Do not call a 5-year-old phone '古老'. It sounds sarcastic or incorrect; use '旧' instead.
China's ancient history
China is often referred to as a '古老的国家' (ancient country) to highlight its five-thousand-year-old civilization.
Examples
4 of 4这棵树非常古老。
This tree is very ancient.
中国有着古老的历史。
China has an ancient history.
听听这个古老的故事吧。
Listen to this ancient story.
该地区保留了古老的建筑风格。
The region has preserved ancient architectural styles.
