adjective HSK 5
Traditional 年長
older · senior · elderly · advanced in age
Meaning
年长 describes someone who is older in age, particularly when comparing two or more people. It's a respectful, neutral term often used in formal contexts or when showing deference to elders. The word literally combines 'year' (年) and 'long/elder' (长), emphasizing age difference.
Usage
年长 is commonly used in comparisons (年长的人, 年长几岁) and carries a respectful tone. It's more formal than simply saying 老 (old) and is appropriate in professional, educational, or polite social contexts. Often appears in phrases like 年长者 (elders) or when describing someone older than oneself.
Examples
- 01她比我年长三岁，所以经验更丰富。, .She is three years older than me, so she has more experience.
- 02我们应该尊重年长者的意见。.We should respect the opinions of our elders.
Characters
Common collocations
- 年长者elders; older people
- 年长的人older people
- 比...年长...older than...
- 年长几岁a few years older
Antonyms
Origin
Compound of 年 (year) and 长 (long/elder), literally meaning 'long in years' or 'senior in age.'