zoeng2 lou5長老长老
Jyutpingzoeng2 lou5
Yalejéung lóuh
Definition
An elder or senior member who holds authority within a group.
neutralpeople
How it's used
Refers specifically to individuals holding high status or authority within a community or organization, often implying wisdom or long-standing experience. It is frequently used in formal or traditional contexts, such as village affairs or religious groups, rather than for just any elderly person. Using it for a random senior citizen on the street would sound overly dramatic or archaic.
Measure word
wai6位waihExamples
This elder's words are very reasonable.
Are the elders in the village having a meeting?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this to refer to your own grandparents or elderly relatives, as it implies a formal or communal role rather than a family relationship. Use 阿爺 or 阿婆 instead for family members.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
