旧

• Pinyin: jiù
• Hanzi breakdown: 旧 = simplified from 舊; 丨 + 日, representing something from the past; traditional form contained 隹 (bird) + 臼

Meaning

Old; used; former. Describes something that is not new, has been used before, or belongs to the past.

Used for objects (old clothes, old books), places (old neighbourhood), and abstract concepts (old ways, former times). Contrasts with 新 (new). Unlike 老 which describes age of living things or long-established entities, 旧 focuses on the condition of being worn, outdated, or from a previous time.

Examples

1. 这件衣服太旧了，该换新的了。 This piece of clothing is too old — it's time for a new one.
2. 他住在城市的旧区。 He lives in the old part of the city.
3. 不要扔掉旧书，可以捐给别人。 Don't throw away old books — you can donate them to others.

Usage Guide

Context: condition, comparison, everyday

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 我买了一辆旧车。(I bought a used car.)
• 他还住在旧房子里。(He still lives in the old house.)

Don't Say

• 我的奶奶很旧。(Don't use 旧 for people — use 老. 旧 describes objects and places, not living beings. Say 我的奶奶年纪很大.)

Origin & History

Composed of a vertical stroke and 臼 (mortar, phonetic). The original meaning related to an owl, but it was borrowed early on for the meaning 'old' or 'former.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal