1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “老” (pronounced “rou” in Japanese and “lǎo” in Chinese) means “old” or “aged.” It is often used to refer to elderly people or things that have aged over time.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “老” is a pictogram that originally depicted an old person with a hunched back, symbolizing age and wisdom. It is classified as a ideogram as it conveys the concept of aging.
Radical: The radical for “老” is also “老,” which is used in other kanji related to age and wisdom.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “老” are:
- 老人 (ろうじん, roujin) – elderly person
- 老化 (ろうか, rouka) – aging
- 老舗 (しにせ, shinise) – long-established store
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼はとても優しい老人です。 (かれはとてもやさしいろうじんです。) – He is a very kind elderly person.
- 老化は避けられない自然のプロセスです。 (ろうかはさけられないしぜんのプロセスです。) – Aging is an unavoidable natural process.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “長” (ちょう, chō), which means “long” or “elder.” While both relate to age, “老” specifically refers to being old, whereas “長” can refer to someone who is older in terms of rank or position.
Opposite Kanji: The opposite kanji is “若” (わか, waka), which means “young.” It represents youth and freshness, contrasting with the concept of aging.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: In Japanese culture, the elderly are often respected and revered, and the kanji “老” reflects this cultural value. It is common to see “老” used in contexts that honor the wisdom and experience of older generations.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common proverb is “老いては子に従え” (おいてはこにしたがえ), which translates to “In old age, follow the children.” This emphasizes the idea that as one ages, they should listen to the younger generation’s wisdom and perspectives.