古老

• Pinyin: gǔ lǎo
• Hanzi breakdown: 古 = ancient; 老 = old

Meaning

Ancient; age-old; very old. Having existed for a very long time.

Describes things with a long history, often carrying connotations of tradition, wisdom, or historical significance. Used for civilizations, customs, buildings, languages, and stories. More literary than just 老.

Examples

1. 这座古老的城市有着两千多年的历史。 This ancient city has a history of more than two thousand years.
2. 这个民族保留着许多古老的传统。 This ethnic group has preserved many age-old traditions.
3. 古老的传说在这片土地上代代相传。 Ancient legends have been passed down through generations on this land.

Usage Guide

Context: history, culture, literature

Tone: reverent

Do Say

• 这是一种古老的艺术形式。(This is an ancient art form.)
• 古老的文明令人敬畏。(Ancient civilizations inspire awe.)

Don't Say

• 我的爷爷很古老 (For elderly people, use 年纪大 or just 老 — 古老 is for things with historical/cultural significance)

Origin & History

Compound of 古 (ancient, old) + 老 (old), reinforcing the meaning of great age.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal