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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'old' or 'venerable' with 老 (lǎo)

    Degree & Intensity
    Description & Modification

    Structure

    老 + Noun / Subject + 很 + 老

    Explanation

    老 (lǎo) is an adjective and prefix meaning "old," "aged," or "venerable." Beyond describing age, it is widely used as a prefix to express familiarity, respect, or endearment, as in 老师 (teacher) or 老人 (elderly person). In the compound 圣诞老人 (Santa Claus), 老 contributes to the respectful characterization of the figure.

    Examples

    • 我家附近有一棵很老的大树。

      Wǒ jiā fùjìn yǒu yì kē hěn lǎo de dà shù.

      There is a very old big tree near my home.

    • 这座老房子已经有一百多年的历史了。

      Zhè zuò lǎo fángzi yǐjīng yǒu yìbǎi duō nián de lìshǐ le.

      This old house already has over a hundred years of history.

    • 圣诞老人是小朋友们最喜欢的角色。

      Shèngdàn lǎorén shì xiǎopéngyoumen zuì xǐhuan de juésè.

      Santa Claus is children's favorite character.

    Expressing 'old' or 'venerable' with 老 (lǎo) | Chinese Grammar