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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'old' with 旧 (jiù)

    Comparison
    Description & Modification

    Structure

    Subject + 很 + 旧

    Explanation

    旧 (jiù) means "old" in the sense of worn, outdated, or no longer new. Unlike 老 which refers to age in living things, 旧 describes objects, equipment, or ideas that have been used or are no longer current. It is the opposite of 新 (new).

    Examples

    • 这件旧衣服我穿了五年了,舍不得扔。

      zhè jiàn jiù yīfu wǒ chuān le wǔ nián le, shěbude rēng.

      I've worn this old piece of clothing for five years and can't bear to throw it away.

    • 他把旧手机送给了弟弟用。

      tā bǎ jiù shǒujī sòng gěi le dìdi yòng.

      He gave his old phone to his younger brother to use.

    • 我们搬家的时候清理了很多旧东西。

      wǒmen bānjiā de shíhou qīnglǐ le hěn duō jiù dōngxi.

      When we moved, we cleared out a lot of old stuff.

    Expressing 'old' with 旧 (jiù) | Chinese Grammar