lou5 taai3 lung4 zung1老態龍鍾老态龙钟
Definition
Senile, doddering, or decrepit; describing a state where one's mental or physical strength has declined due to old age.
How it's used
This idiom carries a strong visual emphasis on the physical frailty and slow, unsteady movements associated with advanced age. It is often used to describe someone who appears significantly older or more physically diminished than expected. While it can be used descriptively, it is important to be mindful of the tone, as it can sound quite blunt or even disrespectful if used to describe a specific person directly to their face.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a general term for being old, but it specifically highlights the loss of vitality and the shaky, infirm physical state of a person. It is not appropriate to use this for someone who is elderly but still physically robust and active.
Grammar color guide
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.
