老
lǎo
old
The Chinese word '老' is used to describe both human aging and things that are old, obsolete or vintage. It is also often used to signify respect for a person, such as a teacher, leader, or senior.
Example sentences using: 老
老师，你好吗？
Lǎoshī, nǐ hǎo ma?
Teacher, how are you?
This is a polite way to ask a teacher how they are doing.
他是我爸爸的老朋友。
Tā shì wǒ bàba de lǎo péngyǒu.
He is an old friend of my dad's.
A phrase that shows someone has a long-standing friendship with someone.
老虎是非常危险的动物。
Lǎohǔ shì fēicháng wēixiǎn de dòngwù.
The tiger is a very dangerous animal.
This sentence is describing the tiger as a very dangerous animal.
这个老人生活得很艰难。
Zhège lǎorén shēnghuó dé hěn jiānnán.
This old man lives a tough life.
This sentence describes the difficult life situation of an older individual.
老鼠是一种常见的啮齿动物。
Lǎoshǔ shì yīzhǒng chángjiàn de nièchǐ dòngwù.
Mice are a common type of rodent.
This sentence explains that mice are a common type of rodent.
这家老店的东西比较贵。
Zhè jiā lǎodiàn de dōngxī bǐjiào guì.
Things in this old shop are more expensive.
This sentence tells us that the items in a traditional, long-established shop are generally more expensive.
老板，我要一杯咖啡。
Lǎobǎn, wǒ yào yībēi kāfēi.
Boss, I want a cup of coffee.
In Chinese, 'Boss' is a respectful way to address a shop owner or manager. This sentence is asking for a cup of coffee.
老兵不死，只是逐渐消磨。
Lǎobīng bùsǐ, zhǐshì zhújiàn xiāomó.
Old soldiers never die, they just fade away.
This is a famous saying, indicating that experienced soldiers never completely pass away, they just gradually fade from public view.
老实人说老实话。
Lǎoshí rén shuō lǎoshíhuà.
Honest people speak honestly.
This sentence is affirming that honest individuals always tell the truth.
他虽然老了，但精神照样好。
Tā suīrán lǎole, dàn jīngshén zhàoyàng hǎo.
Although he is old, his spirit is still good.
This sentence is expressing that although he's aged, his spirit remains high.