老伴儿

• Pinyin: lǎo bànr
• Hanzi breakdown: 老 = old; 伴 = 亻(person) + 半 (half) — companion; 儿 = diminutive suffix

Meaning

Spouse in old age; life partner. A term of endearment for one's elderly husband or wife.

An affectionate term for a spouse who has grown old together with the speaker. Emphasizes companionship through life's journey. The 儿化 (r-suffix) adds warmth.

Examples

1. 他和老伴儿相濡以沫五十年了。 He and his wife have supported each other through fifty years together.
2. 老伴儿身体不好，他每天悉心照料。 His wife is not in good health, and he takes care of her attentively every day.
3. 退休后，他和老伴儿一起环游世界。 After retirement, he and his wife traveled around the world together.

Usage Guide

Context: family, elderly care, relationships

Tone: affectionate

Do Say

• 找个好老伴儿很重要。(Finding a good life partner is important.)
• 老伴儿是最好的陪伴。(One's elderly spouse is the best companion.)

Don't Say

• 用老伴儿称呼年轻的配偶。(老伴儿 specifically refers to elderly spouses — use 爱人 or 配偶 for younger couples)

Origin & History

Compound of 老 (old) + 伴儿 (companion). Literally 'old companion' — spouse in later years.

Cultural Context

Generation: Elderly

Social background: Universal