Japanese Conversation · Level 75
75 words
Japanese word
老いる
Pronunciation
Romajioiru
Meaning
- verbage
Example
長く生きれば、誰でも老います。naga ku i ki re ba dare de mo o i ma su
Anyone who lives long enough will age.
More examples
体は少しずつ老いていきますが、心は若いままです。karada wa suko shi zu tsu o i te i ki ma su ga kokoro wa waka i ma ma de su
The body gradually grows old, but the heart stays young.
Core concept
Refers to growing older through the passage of time, often with attention to the loss of youth or strength.
Common phrases
老いていくo i te i ku
grow old
老いてもo i te mo
even as one grows old
老いてなおo i te na o
even in old age
Similar words
年を取るtoshiotoru: To become older over time in ordinary, conversational language.
老けるfukeru: To begin to look older because of changes in one's appearance.
老化するrōkasuru: To undergo physical changes associated with growing older.
Definition in Japanese
年を重ね、若さや体力が衰えていく。toshi o kasa ne waka sa ya tai ryoku ga otoro e te i ku
Word origin
老いる (oiru) is a native Japanese verb related to 老ゆ (oyu, "to grow old"), which is an older Japanese form with the same basic meaning.
Usage tips
- 老いる (oiru) often sounds more literary or weighty than 年を取る (toshi o toru), especially when the effects of age are being emphasized.