Meaning
The kanji 老 (rou, o.iru, fuke.ru) means 'old' or 'aged'. Its meaning also includes 'old man,' 'old age,' and the process of 'growing old.' It's a foundational character for discussing age and the natural process of getting older. The character itself is a pictograph. It shows an old man holding a long staff. This symbolizes wisdom, experience, and the physical traits linked to old age. The top part (耂) resembles a person, and the bottom part (匕) represents a staff, or a person with bent posture leaning on a stick. This visual connection makes its meaning of 'old' or 'elderly' quite intuitive. 老 has 6 strokes and is taught in the 4th grade of elementary school in Japan. Its early introduction highlights its essential role in everyday Japanese. While often linked to the physical side of aging, 老 can also convey respect and veneration for elders. This reflects cultural values that honor seniority and accumulated wisdom.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The on'yomi reading for 老 is ロウ (rou). This reading comes from Chinese and appears in compound words. It's often used in more formal or academic contexts, or as part of terms related to age and the elderly.
- 老人 (rōjin) — old person, elderly person
- 老化 (rōka) — aging, deterioration
- 老眼 (rōgan) — presbyopia, farsightedness (due to old age)
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The kun'yomi readings for 老 are お.いる (oi.ru) and ふ.ける (fuke.ru). These are native Japanese words. You'll typically see them when 老 is used as a standalone verb or as part of an adjective to describe aging directly. お.いる generally means 'to grow old.' ふ.ける, on the other hand, often suggests appearing old or getting older, sometimes with a nuance of being past one's prime.
- 老いる (oiru) — to grow old, to age
- 老ける (fukeru) — to get old, to age, to appear old
- 老けた顔 (fuketa kao) — an aged face, an old-looking face
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 老 appears in many common words and compounds. This shows its versatility in describing different aspects of old age, elder care, and related societal ideas.
Regarding Elderly People and Care
- 老人 (rōjin) — old person, elderly person
- 老婆 (rōba) — old woman
- 老若男女 (rōnyakunanjo) — men and women of all ages
- 老後 (rōgo) — old age, after one's prime
- 老人ホーム (rōjin hōmu) — nursing home, retirement home
Describing the Process or State of Aging
- 老化 (rōka) — aging, deterioration
- 老衰 (rōrui) — senility, decrepitude
- 老眼 (rōgan) — presbyopia, farsightedness (due to old age)
- 老練 (rōren) — experienced, seasoned, veteran
Figurative Use and Wisdom
- 老荘の道 (rōsō no michi) — the way of Laozi and Zhuangzi (Taoism)
- 老いぼれ (oibore) — doddering old person, senile old man (often derogatory but sometimes used familiarly)
Example Sentences
彼は年を取っても元気で、老いても活動的です。
Kare wa toshi o tottemo genki de, oitemo katsudōteki desu.
Even though he is old, he is still energetic and active.
老人の知恵は、若い世代にとって貴重なものです。
Rōjin no chie wa, wakai sedai ni totte kichō na mono desu.
The wisdom of the elderly is precious to the younger generation.
彼女は年を取るにつれて、顔に老けた様子が現れてきた。
Kanojo wa toshi o toru ni tsurete, kao ni fuketa yōsu ga arawarete kita.
As she grew older, an aged look appeared on her face.
老化は誰にでも訪れる自然な現象です。
Rōka wa dare ni demo otozureru shizen na genshō desu.
Aging is a natural phenomenon that happens to everyone.
老後の生活について考えることが重要です。
Rōgo no seikatsu ni tsuite kangaeru koto ga jūyō desu.
It is important to think about life in old age.
長年の経験を持つ老練の職人は素晴らしい。
Naganen no keiken o motsu rōren no shokunin wa subarashii.
A veteran craftsman with many years of experience is wonderful.
祖父は老いてなお盛んです。
Sofu wa oite nao sakan desu.
My grandfather is old but still vigorous.
老けても心は若いままです。
Fuketemo kokoro wa wakai mama desu.
Even if one grows old, the heart remains young.
Memory Tip
To remember the kanji 老, picture an old man. The top part (耂) looks like an elderly person, slightly hunched over, perhaps leaning on a cane. The bottom part (匕) can represent bent legs or the person's back as they lean on that cane. Imagine this wise, experienced old man slowly walking with his staff. This image symbolizes the passage of time and the state of being old. Seeing the human form and the support of a staff, common symbols of old age, makes remembering 老 and its meaning much easier.