Respecting the elderly is a fundamental social virtue in Chinese culture.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To show respect and care for elderly people.
- Commonly used in social and educational contexts.
- Reflects traditional cultural values of respecting seniors.
Overview
- 1概览：敬老是中华民族的传统美德，核心在于对长辈的尊重与照顾。它不仅是一种道德要求，也是社会文明程度的体现。2) 使用模式：该词既可以作为动词使用（如：我们应该敬老），也可以作为名词短语的一部分（如：敬老院、敬老节）。在句子中，它常作为谓语，表达一种社会责任或个人行为准则。3) 常见语境：常出现于学校教育、政府宣传、社会福利机构及节日庆典中。例如，在重阳节，人们会通过各种活动来弘扬“敬老”精神。4) 同义词辨析：与“孝顺”相比，“敬老”的范围更广，不仅指对家中长辈，也指对社会上所有老年人的尊重；而“孝顺”通常特指子女对父母的侍奉。与“尊老”相比，两者含义基本一致，可以互换使用。
Examples
我们要发扬敬老的美德。
everydayWe should promote the virtue of respecting the elderly.
社会各界积极开展敬老爱老活动。
formalAll sectors of society actively carry out activities to respect and care for the elderly.
今天去敬老院看望老人。
informalI am going to visit the nursing home today.
敬老理念在儒家思想中占有核心地位。
academicThe concept of respecting the elderly occupies a central position in Confucian thought.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
尊老爱幼
Respect the elderly and love the young
敬老节
Respect for the Elderly Day
敬老精神
Spirit of respecting the elderly
Often Confused With
Filial piety is specific to family members, while respecting the elderly is a general social term.
These are synonyms and are often used interchangeably in most contexts.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The term is formal and carries a positive, moral connotation. It is frequently used in public announcements, school settings, and government policies. When using it, ensure the context involves genuine respect for older individuals.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse it with '孝顺' (filial piety). Remember that '敬老' is broader and applies to the elderly in general, not just family. Also, it is not used for people younger than oneself.
Tips
Use it with social responsibility
Pair this word with words like '精神' (spirit) or '美德' (virtue) to sound more natural. It is often used in public service announcements.
Avoid using it for peers
Do not use '敬老' when talking about people of your own age or younger. It is strictly reserved for those significantly older than you.
The importance of Confucianism
The concept is deeply rooted in Confucian teachings, which emphasize hierarchy and filial piety. It remains a core pillar of Chinese societal norms today.
Word Origin
The term originates from traditional Chinese cultural values, heavily influenced by Confucianism. It emphasizes the importance of hierarchy and social order based on age.
Cultural Context
Respecting the elderly is a cornerstone of Chinese society. It is a fundamental expectation that younger generations provide support and honor to those who have paved the way.
Memory Tip
Think of the character '敬' (respect) + '老' (old). It is the act of giving 'respect' to the 'old'.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions敬老的对象可以是社会上所有的老年人，范围较广。孝顺则主要指子女对父母的关爱与尽责，范围较窄。
非常重要。在老龄化社会中，敬老不仅是道德传承，更是保障老年人生活质量和社会和谐的必要条件。
敬老院是为老年人提供生活照料、康复护理和精神慰藉的社会福利机构。它是“敬老”这一理念的具体化实践。
可以在公交车上主动让座，平时多关心长辈的身体状况，或者在重阳节参与社区的慰问活动。
Test Yourself
尊老爱幼是中华民族的传统___。
“敬老”常与“美德”搭配，体现其崇高的道德意义。
以下哪项是正确的？
让座是社会生活中最常见的敬老行为之一。
我们 / 敬老 / 应该 / 的 / 美德 / 发扬
标准的中文主谓宾结构。
Score: /3
Summary
Respecting the elderly is a fundamental social virtue in Chinese culture.
- To show respect and care for elderly people.
- Commonly used in social and educational contexts.
- Reflects traditional cultural values of respecting seniors.
Use it with social responsibility
Pair this word with words like '精神' (spirit) or '美德' (virtue) to sound more natural. It is often used in public service announcements.
Avoid using it for peers
Do not use '敬老' when talking about people of your own age or younger. It is strictly reserved for those significantly older than you.
The importance of Confucianism
The concept is deeply rooted in Confucian teachings, which emphasize hierarchy and filial piety. It remains a core pillar of Chinese societal norms today.
Examples
4 of 4我们要发扬敬老的美德。
We should promote the virtue of respecting the elderly.
社会各界积极开展敬老爱老活动。
All sectors of society actively carry out activities to respect and care for the elderly.
今天去敬老院看望老人。
I am going to visit the nursing home today.
敬老理念在儒家思想中占有核心地位。
The concept of respecting the elderly occupies a central position in Confucian thought.
