高齢の em 30 segundos
- 高齢の (kōrei no) is a formal B1-level adjective meaning 'elderly' or 'aged.'
- It is a 'no-adjective,' meaning it must be followed by the particle 'no' before a noun.
- It is the standard term for news, medical, and official contexts in Japan.
- It is more respectful than 'toshiyori' and specifically refers to people, not objects.
The term 高齢の (こうれいの - kōrei no) is a formal and respectful way to describe someone of advanced age. In the Japanese linguistic landscape, age is not merely a number but a marker of social standing and life experience. The word is composed of two kanji: 高 (taka/kō) meaning 'high' or 'elevated,' and 齢 (yowai/rei) meaning 'age' or 'years.' Together, they literally translate to 'high age,' suggesting a level of seniority that commands respect. Unlike more casual terms, 高齢の is the standard adjective used in news reports, government documents, and medical contexts to refer to the elderly population.
- Grammatical Category
- It functions as a 'no-adjective' (noun acting as an adjective via the particle 'no').
- Social Nuance
- It is considered 'Teineigo' (polite language) and is safer to use than 'toshiyori' which can sometimes sound blunt or derogatory.
- Demographic Context
- Essential for discussing Japan's 'Kōreika Shakai' (Aging Society).
"高齢の女性がバスに乗ってきたので、席を譲りました。" (I gave up my seat because an elderly woman boarded the bus.)
When analyzing the word's depth, one must consider Japan's demographic shift. Japan has one of the highest proportions of elderly citizens in the world. Consequently, 高齢の appears frequently in discussions regarding social welfare, healthcare, and urban planning. It is not just a descriptor of a person; it is a descriptor of a demographic reality. In academic settings, you will often see it paired with 'sha' (person) to form 高齢者 (kōreisha), meaning 'the elderly' or 'senior citizens.'
"高齢の両親を支えるために、実家に戻ることにした。" (I decided to return to my hometown to support my elderly parents.)
Furthermore, the word carries a sense of 'vulnerability' in certain contexts, such as disaster prevention or health warnings (e.g., 'elderly people should stay hydrated'). However, in the context of 'Kōrei-sha Koyo' (employment of the elderly), it highlights the ongoing contribution of seniors to the workforce. It is a versatile, essential B1-level word that bridges the gap between basic descriptions of people and complex societal analysis.
"この村には高齢の住民が多い。" (There are many elderly residents in this village.)
- Synonym Comparison
- 'Toshiyori' is more colloquial; 'Rōjin' is clinical/formal; 'Kōrei' is polite/official.
Using 高齢の correctly requires understanding its role as a 'no-adjective'. Unlike 'i-adjectives' (like furui) or 'na-adjectives' (like shizuka-na), this word is a noun that modifies another noun using the particle の (no). You cannot say 'kōrei-na' or 'kōrei-i'. The structure is always [高齢の + Noun].
- Modifying People: 高齢の男性 (An elderly man), 高齢の運転手 (An elderly driver).
- Modifying Groups: 高齢の層 (The elderly bracket/segment), 高齢の世帯 (Elderly households).
In terms of register, 高齢の is the 'safe' choice for professional writing. If you are writing an essay about society, a business email, or a news report, this is your go-to word. If you are talking about your own grandfather to a close friend, you might use 'ojīchan' or 'toshi o totta' (aged), but 高齢の remains the most respectful way to describe seniors in a general sense.
[Structure] Noun (高齢) + Particle (の) + Target Noun
One subtle point: 高齢の usually refers to humans. You would not use it for an 'old' building or an 'old' book. For objects, use 古い (furui). For animals, 老いた (oita) or 高齢の (in a veterinary/scientific context) can be used, but the latter is quite formal.
You will encounter 高齢の in several specific domains in Japan. Its frequency is high due to the 'Super-Aging Society' (Chō-kōreika shakai) status of the country.
1. Mass Media and News
NHK news and major newspapers like Asahi or Yomiuri use this word daily. Headlines such as '高齢の男性が不明' (Elderly man missing) or '高齢のドライバーによる事故' (Accidents by elderly drivers) are common. It provides a neutral, objective tone necessary for journalism.
2. Medical and Welfare Settings
In hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes, staff use 高齢の to categorize patients and residents. You might hear: '高齢の患者様には、ゆっくりとお話しください' (Please speak slowly to elderly patients). It is also found on medical forms and health insurance documents.
3. Public Announcements
In train stations or during summer heatwaves, public service announcements often target the elderly: '高齢の方は熱中症に注意してください' (Elderly people, please be careful of heatstroke). The use of 高齢 here is both clear and respectful.
4. Academic and Statistical Reports
Sociology and economics papers regarding Japan's labor force or pension system rely heavily on this term. It is the standard variable name for age-related demographic studies.
While 高齢の is a straightforward word, learners often make a few key errors in usage and nuance.
1. Using it for Inanimate Objects
A common mistake is translating 'old' directly. You cannot say '高齢の車' (kōrei no kuruma) for an old car. For objects, the correct word is 古い (furui). 高齢 specifically refers to the biological age of living beings, primarily humans.
2. Confusing with 'Toshiyori'
While 'toshiyori' (年寄り) also means elderly person, it can sound a bit rude or dismissive depending on the tone. 高齢の is much more polite. However, don't use 高齢の to describe yourself unless you are being very humble or clinical; usually, people just say 'toshi o totteiru' (I am aged).
3. Incorrect Particle Usage
Learners sometimes try to use 'na' (高齢な) because it feels like an adjective. Remember, it is a 'no-adjective'. Incorrect: 高齢な人. Correct: 高齢の人 or 高齢の方 (more polite).
4. Over-formality
In a very casual setting with friends, saying '高齢の女性' might sound a bit like a police report. In casual conversation, 'o-baachan' (grandmotherly lady) or 'toshi o totta hito' might be more natural, though 高齢の is never 'wrong'—just formal.
Japanese has many words for 'old' or 'elderly,' each with a specific nuance. Understanding these helps you choose the right word for the right situation.
- 老人 (Rōjin): A very formal, often clinical term. It is used in 'Rōjin-hōmu' (Nursing home). It can sometimes feel a bit cold or 'medical.'
- 年寄り (Toshiyori): A more traditional and colloquial term. It can be used affectionately (e.g., 'toshiyori no chie' - wisdom of the elderly) but can also be used rudely.
- お年寄り (O-toshiyori): The polite version of 'toshiyori.' This is very common in daily speech and public announcements. It is softer than 高齢の.
- 年配の (Nenpai no): Refers to people who are older than the speaker, usually middle-aged to elderly. It implies a sense of 'seniority' and 'experience' rather than just 'old age.' It is a very polite way to refer to someone in their 50s-70s.
- シルバー (Silver): A loanword often used for services (e.g., 'Silver Seat' on trains, 'Silver Center' for employment). It has a modern, positive connotation.
- 熟年 (Jukunen): Literally 'mature years.' Often used in marketing to describe active, wealthy seniors.
How Formal Is It?
Nível de dificuldade
Gramática essencial
Noun + の + Noun
～のため (Because of...)
～向け (Aimed at...)
～化 (Suffix for '-ization')
Respectful language (Keigo)
Exemplos por nível
高齢の人に席をどうぞ。
Please [give] the seat to the elderly person.
高齢の人 (Kōrei no hito) = Elderly person.
私の祖父は高齢です。
My grandfather is of advanced age.
高齢です (Kōrei desu) = is elderly.
高齢の女性が歩いています。
An elderly woman is walking.
高齢の女性 (Kōrei no josei) = Elderly woman.
ここは高齢の人が多いです。
There are many elderly people here.
高齢の人 (Kōrei no hito) = Elderly people.
高齢の犬を飼っています。
I have an elderly dog.
高齢の犬 (Kōrei no inu) = Elderly dog (formal).
高齢の方を助けましょう。
Let's help elderly people.
高齢の方 (Kōrei no kata) = Elderly person (polite).
高齢の父は元気です。
My elderly father is healthy.
高齢の父 (Kōrei no chichi) = Elderly father.
高齢の先生に会いました。
I met an elderly teacher.
高齢の先生 (Kōrei no sensei) = Elderly teacher.
高齢のドライバーは注意が必要です。
Elderly drivers need to be careful.
高齢のドライバー = Elderly driver.
この町は高齢の住民が支えています。
Elderly residents support this town.
高齢の住民 = Elderly residents.
高齢の親の介護をしています。
I am nursing my elderly parents.
高齢の親 = Elderly parents.
高齢の方向けのメニューがあります。
There is a menu for elderly people.
高齢の方 + 向け (muke) = for/aimed at.
高齢の猫は寝る時間が長いです。
Elderly cats sleep for a long time.
高齢の猫 = Elderly cat.
高齢の夫婦が旅行をしています。
An elderly couple is traveling.
高齢の夫婦 = Elderly couple.
高齢の患者に優しく接します。
Treat elderly patients kindly.
高齢の患者 = Elderly patient.
高齢の母に電話をかけました。
I called my elderly mother.
高齢の母 = Elderly mother.
高齢の単身世帯が増えています。
Elderly single-person households are increasing.
高齢の単身世帯 = Elderly single-person household.
高齢の労働者が増えることは良いことです。
The increase of elderly workers is a good thing.
高齢の労働者 = Elderly worker.
高齢の家族がいる場合は、避難を早めに。
If you have elderly family members, evacuate early.
高齢の家族 = Elderly family members.
高齢の層をターゲットにしたビジネス。
Business targeting the elderly segment.
高齢の層 = Elderly demographic/segment.
高齢のボランティアが活躍しています。
Elderly volunteers are active.
高齢のボランティア = Elderly volunteer.
高齢の知人から手紙が届きました。
I received a letter from an elderly acquaintance.
高齢の知人 = Elderly acquaintance.
高齢のペットの健康管理は難しい。
Managing the health of elderly pets is difficult.
高齢のペット = Elderly pet.
高齢の世代とのコミュニケーションが大切だ。
Communication with the elderly generation is important.
高齢の世代 = Elderly generation.
高齢の受刑者の再犯防止が課題となっている。
Preventing recidivism among elderly inmates is a challenge.
高齢の受刑者 = Elderly inmates.
高齢の独居老人の孤独死を防ぐ取り組み。
Efforts to prevent solitary deaths of elderly people living alone.
高齢の独居老人 = Elderly person living alone.
高齢の社員の経験を活かす制度を導入する。
Introduce a system to utilize the experience of elderly employees.
高齢の社員 = Elderly employee.
高齢の被災者への心のケアが必要だ。
Mental care for elderly disaster victims is necessary.
高齢の被災者 = Elderly disaster victim.
高齢の富裕層向けの投資信託。
Investment trusts for the wealthy elderly.
高齢の富裕層 = Wealthy elderly segment.
高齢の農家が減少しており、後継者不足だ。
Elderly farmers are decreasing, leading to a lack of successors.
高齢の農家 = Elderly farmer.
高齢の政治家が国を動かしている現状。
The current situation where elderly politicians run the country.
高齢の政治家 = Elderly politician.
高齢の指導者による伝統の継承。
Succession of tradition by elderly leaders.
高齢の指導者 = Elderly leader/master.
高齢の認知症患者の法的権利を守る。
Protecting the legal rights of elderly dementia patients.
高齢の認知症患者 = Elderly dementia patient.
高齢の消費者の購買行動を分析する。
Analyzing the purchasing behavior of elderly consumers.
高齢の消費者 = Elderly consumer.
高齢の親族間の相続トラブルが増加している。
Inheritance troubles among elderly relatives are increasing.
高齢の親族 = Elderly relatives.
高齢の慢性疾患患者に対する遠隔医療の導入。
Introduction of telemedicine for elderly patients with chronic diseases.
高齢の慢性疾患患者 = Elderly chronic disease patient.
高齢の専門職が持つ暗黙知の形式知化。
Converting the tacit knowledge of elderly professionals into explicit knowledge.
高齢の専門職 = Elderly professional.
高齢の移住者が地方再生の鍵を握る。
Elderly migrants hold the key to regional revitalization.
高齢の移住者 = Elderly migrant.
高齢の芸術家による晩年の傑作。
Late-life masterpieces by elderly artists.
高齢の芸術家 = Elderly artist.
高齢の有権者の投票率が政治を左右する。
The turnout of elderly voters influences politics.
高齢の有権者 = Elderly voter.
高齢の碩学による深遠な哲学の講義。
A profound philosophy lecture by an elderly eminent scholar.
高齢の碩学 (Sekigaku) = Elderly eminent scholar.
高齢の受刑者の処遇に関する倫理的検討。
Ethical consideration regarding the treatment of elderly inmates.
高齢の受刑者 = Elderly inmate.
高齢の独居世帯における社会的孤立のメカニズム。
The mechanism of social isolation in elderly single-person households.
高齢の独居世帯 = Elderly single household.
高齢の労働力率の上昇がマクロ経済に与える影響。
The impact of rising elderly labor force participation on the macroeconomy.
高齢の労働力率 = Elderly labor force rate.
高齢の被後見人の財産管理における不正防止。
Prevention of fraud in the property management of elderly wards.
高齢の被後見人 = Elderly ward (under guardianship).
高齢の匠が継承する伝統工芸の極致。
The pinnacle of traditional crafts inherited by elderly masters.
高齢の匠 (Takumi) = Elderly master craftsman.
高齢の執筆者による回顧録の文学的価値。
The literary value of memoirs by elderly authors.
高齢の執筆者 = Elderly writer.
高齢の帰還困難区域住民の帰郷への葛藤。
The conflict regarding returning home among elderly residents of difficult-to-return zones.
高齢の帰還困難区域住民 = Elderly residents of restricted zones.
Colocações comuns
Frases Comuns
Frequentemente confundido com
Expressões idiomáticas
Fácil de confundir
Same pronunciation, but means 'customary' or 'annual event'.
Means 'publicly established'.
Means 'efficiency'.
Padrões de frases
Família de palavras
Relacionado
Como usar
Objective, respectful, and formal.
Usually refers to people 65 and older.
Not for objects or buildings.
- Saying 'Kōrei na hito' instead of 'Kōrei no hito'.
- Using 'Kōrei' for an old building.
- Confusing 'Kōrei' (age) with 'Kōrei' (custom).
- Using it for a young person who looks old.
- Using 'Kōrei' in a very casual, slangy conversation.
Dicas
The 'No' Rule
Always remember 'Kōrei' needs 'no' to modify a noun. It acts like a noun-bridge.
Respect the Aged
Using 'Kōrei' shows you understand Japanese social etiquette and respect for seniors.
Compound Words
Learn 'Kōreisha' (person) and 'Kōreika' (aging) together with 'Kōrei'.
News Keywords
If you hear 'Kōrei,' expect a story about health, society, or a local event involving seniors.
Polite Alternatives
If 'Kōrei' feels too stiff, use 'O-toshiyori' in daily conversation.
Kanji Practice
The kanji 齢 is complex. Practice the 'tooth' radical 歯 carefully.
Statistical Context
In graphs, 'Kōrei' usually refers to the 65+ age group.
Priority Seating
Signs for priority seats often use the word 'Kōrei' or 'O-toshiyori'.
Human Focus
Never use this for old objects; it will sound very strange to natives.
JLPT B1/N3
This is a common word in the N3/N2 reading sections regarding social changes.
Memorize
Origem da palavra
Contexto cultural
Respect for the Aged Day is a national holiday in September.
Priority seating on trains for the elderly.
A special sticker (teardrop shape) for elderly drivers' cars.
Pratique na vida real
Contextos reais
Iniciadores de conversa
"日本は高齢の人が多いですね。 (Japan has many elderly people, doesn't it?)"
"高齢の親戚はいますか？ (Do you have any elderly relatives?)"
"高齢のドライバーについてどう思いますか？ (What do you think about elderly drivers?)"
"高齢になっても働きたいですか？ (Do you want to work even when you become elderly?)"
"高齢の方に席を譲ったことがありますか？ (Have you ever given up your seat for an elderly person?)"
Temas para diário
高齢の家族との一番の思い出を書いてください。 (Write about your best memory with an elderly family member.)
高齢化社会の問題について自分の意見を書きましょう。 (Write your opinion on the problems of an aging society.)
自分が高齢になったとき、何をしたいですか？ (What do you want to do when you become elderly?)
高齢の人が住みやすい街とはどんな街ですか？ (What kind of town is easy for elderly people to live in?)
高齢の知恵から学んだことを書きなさい。 (Write about what you learned from the wisdom of the elderly.)
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasNo, it is actually one of the most polite and neutral ways to describe an elderly person. It is much safer than 'toshiyori.'
No, 'Kōrei' is only for living beings, mainly humans. For a car, use 'furui kuruma' or 'kyūsha' (classic car).
'Kōrei' is the state of being old (noun/adjective), while 'Kōreisha' specifically means 'an elderly person' (noun).
In Japan, the government usually defines it as 65 years old and above.
Yes, but usually in a formal or medical context, like 'kōrei-ken' (elderly dog).
It is 'Kōreika shakai' (高齢化社会).
No, it is not a na-adjective. You must use 'no': 'Kōrei no'.
'Nenpai' is more about seniority and respect for someone older than you, not necessarily 'elderly'.
'Silver' is a common loanword used for senior services, like 'Silver seats' on trains.
Because historically, teeth were used to determine the age of people and animals.
Teste-se 180 perguntas
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Perfect score!
Summary
Use '高齢の' (kōrei no) whenever you need to describe an elderly person in a professional, polite, or objective manner. It is the essential word for discussing Japan's aging society and showing proper respect to seniors.
- 高齢の (kōrei no) is a formal B1-level adjective meaning 'elderly' or 'aged.'
- It is a 'no-adjective,' meaning it must be followed by the particle 'no' before a noun.
- It is the standard term for news, medical, and official contexts in Japan.
- It is more respectful than 'toshiyori' and specifically refers to people, not objects.
The 'No' Rule
Always remember 'Kōrei' needs 'no' to modify a noun. It acts like a noun-bridge.
Respect the Aged
Using 'Kōrei' shows you understand Japanese social etiquette and respect for seniors.
Compound Words
Learn 'Kōreisha' (person) and 'Kōreika' (aging) together with 'Kōrei'.
News Keywords
If you hear 'Kōrei,' expect a story about health, society, or a local event involving seniors.
Conteúdo relacionado
Esta palavra em outros idiomas
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還暦
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〜くらい
B1Esta palavra significa 'aproximadamente' ou 'ao ponto de'. É usada para expressar uma aproximação ou um grau.
認め合う
B1Reconhecer-se mutuamente; admitir o valor um do outro.
知人
B1Acquaintance.
顔見知り
A2Alguém que você conhece de vista, mas não pessoalmente. Uma pessoa cujo rosto é familiar sem um relacionamento próximo.
甘える
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活発な
B1Ativo; vívido; vigoroso. 'Uma criança ativa.' (活発な子供) 'Uma discussão vigorosa.' (活発な議論)
思春期
B1A adolescência; o período de transição da infância para a idade adulta.
養子
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養親
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