About
The character 耆 is a formal literary term for an elderly person, traditionally one aged sixty or older, and it conveys a sense of respect and veneration. Structurally, it combines the upper portion of 老 (lǎo), written as 耂, with 旨 (zhǐ) below. The top component 耂 provides the core meaning related to advanced age and longevity. The bottom component 旨 primarily serves as a phonetic element indicating pronunciation; some interpretations also suggest it may allude to savory food or the refined tastes associated with respected elders. This character is chiefly found in formal written compounds and historical texts referring to esteemed community elders, rather than in everyday speech.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
村里的耆老很有智慧。
我们应当尊重社区里的耆宿。
这位老先生是本地德高望重的耆绅。
政府为耆年人士提供了多项福利。
他是国学界的耆硕，著作等身。
拜访耆旧可以听到很多过去的故事。
这位耆艾之年的长者依然精神矍铄。
随着社会老龄化，耆英群体的需求备受关注。