gu2 lou5古老
Jyutpinggu2 lou5
Yalegú lóuh
Definition
Ancient, old, or antique; having existed for a very long time.
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
Use this term to describe things that are outdated or conservative in a way that implies they belong to a bygone era. While it can describe physical objects like furniture or buildings, it is frequently applied to people's mindsets or traditions to suggest they are stuck in the past. It carries a slightly stronger sense of being obsolete compared to the more neutral term 舊.
Examples
Your ideas are so old-fashioned, they can't keep up with the times.
The decor in this shop is very old-fashioned, it has a strong sense of nostalgia.
Related words
Common phrases
extremely old-fashioned or ancient
ancient tradition
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe people who are simply elderly, as it specifically refers to their ideas or style rather than their age. Calling a person 古老 directly can sound rude or dismissive of their character.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
