Skip to content
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
元老 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
元老yuánlǎosenior figureHSK 7, unknown, 10 strokes, rank #9670, Very Hard
元老yuánlǎoelderHSK 7, unknown, 10 strokes, rank #9670, Very Hard
元老yuánlǎodoyenHSK 7, unknown, 10 strokes, rank #9670, Very Hard
yuánlǎo(yuan2lao3)yuan lao T2
  1. 1senior figure
  2. 2elder
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

元老yuánlǎo(yuan2lao3)

元老 (yuánlǎo) refers to a senior figure or elder in a specific context, often someone who has significant experience or authority within a group, organization, or society. This term is commonly used to denote respected elder statesmen or seasoned professionals who are looked up to for their wisdom and knowledge.

Strokes10Frequency#9670DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of respect for elders is deeply rooted, and terms like 元老 reflect the high regard for individuals who have contributed significantly to society or their fields.

Memory Tip

Think of 元 (yuán) as 'origin' and 老 (lǎo) meaning 'old' or 'elder'. Imagine an ancient tree with deep roots (元) and a wide trunk (老), symbolizing the solid foundation and wisdom that an elder brings to a community.

Meanings of 元老

yuánlǎo(yuan2lao3)
1senior figure
2elder
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 元老 means.

About 元老

元老Simplified
10Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 元老

JasonAmy

Podcast: 元老

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 元老

Quick Contrast

资深 (zīshēn) - use 元老 when referring to an elder with authority or respect in a specific context, while 资深 is more general for someone experienced without the same connotation of age or authority.

Usage Notes

Be cautious with the tone when pronouncing 元老; it should be pronounced with a rising tone on 元 and a falling tone on 老. This term is often used in formal contexts, such as politics or academia, so it may not be appropriate in casual conversations.

HSK Study Tips

元老 is not an HSK vocabulary word, but it relates to other HSK terms about age and authority, such as 老 (lǎo) meaning 'old'. Students should focus on understanding the connotations of respect and seniority associated with this term.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 元老 with just any elder, using it incorrectly in casual contexts. For example, saying '我爷爷是元老' (My grandfather is a senior figure) is incorrect unless he holds a respected position in a specific group.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 元老

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 元老 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Jason Explains 元老 to You

Let me explain 元老 for you

Make it yours

Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 元老 through them.

Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.

How Well Do You Know 元老?

Example

Learning Lab

Knowing 元老 is seven skills, not one.

Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.

  • MeaningFree
  • CharacterFree
  • PinyinFree
  • TonePro
  • ListeningPro
  • SpeakingPro
  • WritingPro
See the Learning Lab Three facets free · no card needed

Component Characters

元yuánunit of money (in PRC: Chinese yuan, in USA: dollar, etc)
HSK 14 strokes儿
View full entry
老lǎoold (of people)
HSK 36 strokes老
View full entry

How to say senior figure in Chinese

“senior figure” in Chinese is元老yuánlǎo

元老 (yuánlǎo) refers to a senior figure or elder in a specific context, often someone who has significant experience or authority within a group, organization, or society. This term is commonly used to denote respected elder statesmen or seasoned professionals who are looked up to for their wisdom and knowledge.

When to use 元老

Be cautious with the tone when pronouncing 元老; it should be pronounced with a rising tone on 元 and a falling tone on 老. This term is often used in formal contexts, such as politics or academia, so it may not be appropriate in casual conversations.

元老 or something close to it

资深 (zīshēn) - use 元老 when referring to an elder with authority or respect in a specific context, while 资深 is more general for someone experienced without the same connotation of age or authority.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 元老 with just any elder, using it incorrectly in casual contexts. For example, saying '我爷爷是元老' (My grandfather is a senior figure) is incorrect unless he holds a respected position in a specific group.

Write 元老

元
老

Practice writing 元老 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Ask Jason

Have a question about 元老?

Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.

Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.

Frequently Asked Questions about 元老

Not necessarily; 元老 specifically refers to someone who holds a position of respect or authority, not just anyone older.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 元老?

Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.

A sample week, replayed. Every page you study lands here in the order you did it — your own replay starts with a free account.

See the Learning Lab