Meanings of 耂
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 耂
Podcast: 耂
Podcast: 耂
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 耂
Imagine an ancient tree, gnarled and wise, standing tall in a forest. Its age gives it strength and knowledge, just as the character 耂 (lǎo) represents the depth of experience that comes with being 'old.' The radical 耂 looks like a wise elder, connecting the form to the meaning.
In contexts where age is mentioned, be careful not to use 耂 in a derogatory manner; it should carry a tone of respect. Common collocations include '老年人' (lǎoniánrén) meaning 'elderly person' and '老朋友' (lǎopéngyǒu) meaning 'old friend.' Pay attention to tone; it should always be pronounced with a third tone.
While 耂 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it connects to HSK 1-2 words like '老' (lǎo) meaning 'old' and '经验' (jīngyàn) meaning 'experience.' Focus on using it in conjunction with these words to reinforce your understanding of age and experience.
In Chinese culture, age is associated with respect and honor, particularly for the elderly. The character 耂 reflects the societal view that older individuals possess valuable wisdom and experience, often leading to their elevated status in families and communities.
Learners often confuse 耂 with 老, using it inappropriately in informal contexts. For example, saying '我有一个耂朋友' (wǒ yǒu yīgè lǎo péngyǒu) is incorrect; it should be '我有一个老朋友.'
Pronunciation of 耂
Drill the tone of 耂 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 耂
耂 is a component form of 老.
A person bent over with long hair
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 耂?
Decomposition of 耂
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 耂?
Write 耂
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 耂 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Cultural Notes for 耂
In Chinese culture, age is associated with respect and honor, particularly for the elderly. The character 耂 reflects the societal view that older individuals possess valuable wisdom and experience, often leading to their elevated status in families and communities.
Word Family of 耂
Compound Meaning
What does 耂 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 耂
Both characters mean 'old,' but 耂 emphasizes age and experience, while 老 (lǎo) is more commonly used in everyday speech.