Comparing "jiu" and "lao"

Revision as of 04:19, 6 August 2021 by TomConnelly (talk | contribs)

Both 旧 (jiù) and 老 (lǎo) mean “old”.

旧 (jiù) 老 (lǎo)
Meaningworn outaged, long period of existence, experienced,habitual manner or place
Part of Speechadjectiveadjective
Formalityformal and informalformal and informal

Differences

Common Phrases

These phrases work ONLY with 旧(jiù):

  • ~衣服
  • ~东西
  • ~电视
  • ~电脑
  • ~手机
  • ~家具
  • ~自行车

These phrases work ONLY with 老(lǎo):

  • ~人
  • ~树
  • ~朋友
  • ~同事
  • ~样子
  • ~地方

Example Sentences

In the following sentences, ONLY 旧(jiù)can be used:

In the following sentences, ONLY 老(lǎo)can be used: