qí
耆老
elderly person; venerable elder
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
2 senses · 5 examplesnoun
old person; the elderly
literaryA formal, classical term for old people. Often found in historical or literary contexts.
Zūn尊
lǎo老
jìng敬
qí耆
shì是
Zhōng中
huá华
mín民
zú族
de的
chuán传
tǒng统
měi美
dé德
。
Respecting the elderly is a traditional virtue of the Chinese nation.
Qí耆
lǎo老
yún云
jí集
，
gòng共
shāng商
guó国
shì是
。
Venerable elders gathered to discuss affairs of state.
noun
venerable elder; a person of advanced age and high moral standing
honorificEmphasizes not just age, but also the respect and virtue associated with the person. Often used in titles or respectful references.
Cūn村
zhōng中
qí耆
lǎo老
dé德
gāo高
wàng望
zhòng重
，
shēn深
shòu受
ài爱
dài戴
。
The venerable elders in the village are highly respected and deeply loved.
Qǐng请
xiāng乡
lǐ里
qí耆
lǎo老
wèi为
zhè这
zuò座
qiáo桥
mìng命
míng名
。
We invited the respected elders of the township to name this bridge.
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Qí耆
lǎo老
huì会
yì议
zài在
chuán传
tǒng统
shè社
huì会
zhōng中
qǐ起
zhe着
zhòng重
yào要
zuò作
yòng用
。
Councils of elders played an important role in traditional societies.