lou5 faa3老化
Jyutpinglou5 faa3
Yalelóuh fa
Definition
To age, or the process of aging and deteriorating over time.
neutraldescriptionsother
How it's used
Focuses primarily on the deterioration of inanimate objects or systemic processes rather than the natural biological growth of a person. While it can describe human aging in a demographic or medical context, using it to describe a person's physical appearance can sound overly clinical or harsh.
Examples
This old computer is starting to show its age.
The aging population problem in Hong Kong is very serious.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe a person getting older in a casual social setting, as it sounds like you are discussing a machine breaking down or a demographic statistic. Use 變老 or 上咗年紀 instead for people.
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.
