nin4 gei2 daai6年紀大年纪大
Jyutpingnin4 gei2 daai6
Yalenìhn géi daaih
Definition
Old; elderly; of advanced age.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Focuses on the state of being advanced in age rather than just a number. It is frequently used to express concern for someone's physical limits or to explain why someone might be less active. Unlike the more formal 老年, this phrase feels more personal and is commonly used when speaking directly to or about family members.
Examples
He is getting on in years, don't ask him to do too much heavy work.
Now that you are older, do you start feeling tired easily?
Related words
Common phrases
getting old means your body starts breaking down
Common mistake
Avoid using this phrase to describe someone in a professional or formal setting, as it can sound blunt or slightly rude. Use 年長 instead if you need to be polite or respectful when discussing someone's age in a formal context.
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.
