faan2 lou5 waan4 tung4返老還童返老还童
Jyutpingfaan2 lou5 waan4 tung4
Yalefáan lóuh wàahn tùhng
Definition
To recover one's youthful vigor; to become young and vital again in old age.
colloquialpeoplehealth
How it's used
Often used to describe an elderly person who displays a surprising level of energy, health, or playfulness. It carries a positive, slightly admiring tone, suggesting that the person has defied the usual expectations of aging. While it is a four-character idiom, it fits naturally into spoken sentences by adding particles like 呀 or 咁樣.
Examples
Grandpa goes swimming all the time since he retired; he really seems to have regained his youth.
What exercise have you been doing to look so youthful and energetic?
Related words
Common phrases
as if rejuvenated
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe someone who is simply trying to dress or act like a teenager in a way that seems inappropriate or desperate, as the term implies a genuine, healthy vitality rather than a superficial attempt to look young.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
