adjective HSK 2
Traditional 舊
old · used · former · past
Meaning
旧 means old in the sense of something that has existed for a long time, is worn or used, or belongs to the past. It contrasts with 新 (new) and emphasizes age, previous ownership, or former status rather than elderly age (which would be 老).
Usage
旧 is commonly used for objects, clothing, relationships, and past situations. It appears in many fixed phrases like 旧书 (used books), 旧衣服 (old clothes), and 怀旧 (to feel nostalgic). When describing former positions or relationships, it means 'former' or 'ex-', as in 旧同事 (former colleague).
Examples
- 01我想买一些旧家具。.I want to buy some used furniture.
- 02这是我的旧手机，现在不用了。, .This is my old phone, I don't use it anymore.
Common collocations
- 旧书used books
- 旧衣服old clothes
- 怀旧to feel nostalgic
- 念旧to be nostalgic, to value old friendships
Antonyms
Origin
The traditional form 舊 shows 萑 (a type of plant) over 臼 (mortar), suggesting something worn down through repeated use. The simplified form 旧 retains only part of the original structure.