Definitions
Etymology
Pictograph of an old person with long hair bent over and leaning on a cane.
About
The character 老 is an ideogrammic compound depicting an elderly person. Its upper component 耂 suggests a bending figure or long hair, while the lower component 匕 (bǐ) represents a walking stick for support. This combination visually conveys the idea of advanced age. Beyond its literal meaning, the character’s usage expanded to include qualities like experience and veteran status, and it is often used as a respectful prefix for teachers or professionals.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
他是我的老师。
老人需要帮助。
老板今天不在。
我很想念老家。
老虎是野生动物。
他是个老实的人。
她做事非常老练。
老朋友见面总是很高兴。