Meanings of 老人家
By ear
Play it, then pick what 老人家 means.
About 老人家
Podcast: 老人家
Podcast: 老人家
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI study notes for 老人家
老人 (lǎorén) is a more general term for 'elderly person' without the affectionate nuance of 家; 耆老 (qílǎo) emphasizes seniority and wisdom more formally.
Be sure to use this term in respectful contexts; it is more appropriate in formal or semi-formal settings. Avoid using it in a mocking tone or in casual conversations, as this may come off as disrespectful. Common collocations include '老人家好' (lǎo rén jiā hǎo), meaning 'hello, elderly person.'
Although not an HSK vocabulary word, it relates to HSK Level 3 terms such as '老' (old) and '人' (person). Focus on recognizing the components of the word and understanding its respectful connotation, which can help in building vocabulary around family and social roles.
Learners often confuse '老人家' with informal terms like '老头' or '老太太,' which can be disrespectful. For instance, saying '你老头' (nǐ lǎo tóu, you old man) is inappropriate, while '老人家' maintains respect.
Pronunciation of 老人家
Drill the tone of 老人家, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 老人家 to you
Let me explain 老人家 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 老人家 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.
How well do you know 老人家?
Learning Lab
Knowing 老人家 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
Component characters
How to say polite term for old woman or man in Chinese
“polite term for old woman or man” in Chinese is老人家
老人家 (lǎo rén jiā) is a polite term used to refer to an elderly person, typically conveying respect and affection. It can be used to address or speak about an old man or woman, often in familial or community contexts, emphasizing the person's wisdom and experience.
When to use 老人家
Be sure to use this term in respectful contexts; it is more appropriate in formal or semi-formal settings. Avoid using it in a mocking tone or in casual conversations, as this may come off as disrespectful. Common collocations include '老人家好' (lǎo rén jiā hǎo), meaning 'hello, elderly person.'
老人家 or something close to it
老人 (lǎorén) is a more general term for 'elderly person' without the affectionate nuance of 家; 耆老 (qílǎo) emphasizes seniority and wisdom more formally.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse '老人家' with informal terms like '老头' or '老太太,' which can be disrespectful. For instance, saying '你老头' (nǐ lǎo tóu, you old man) is inappropriate, while '老人家' maintains respect.
Write 老人家
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 老人家 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Ask Jason
Have a question about 老人家?
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 215 AI credits.
Frequently asked questions about 老人家
Yes, it is generally acceptable, but be mindful of the context and relationship.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 老人家?
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.