Japanese Conversation · Level 92
60 words
Japanese word
老ける
Pronunciation
Romajifukeru
Meaning
- verblook older
Example
寝不足だと、顔が老けます。ne fu soku da to kao ga fu ke ma su
When I do not get enough sleep, my face looks older.
More examples
髪型を変えたら、鏡の中の自分が老けて見えます。kami gata o ka e ta ra kagami no naka no ji bun ga fu ke te mi e ma su
After I changed my hairstyle, I look older in the mirror.
Core concept
Describes a visible appearance that has taken on features associated with greater age.
Common phrases
老けて見えるfu ke te mi e ru
look older
Similar words
老いるoiru: To become old through the natural passage of time and the effects of aging.
老け込むfukekomu: To take on a noticeably old appearance after a clear change in how one looks.
Definition in Japanese
人の顔や姿などが年齢を重ねたような印象になる。hito no kao ya sugata na do ga nen rei o kasa ne ta yō na in shō ni na ru
Word origin
The native verb 老ける (fukeru) comes from 老く (fuku, "to grow old"), an older Japanese verb whose meaning is retained in the modern form.
Usage tips
- In casual Japanese, 老けて見える (fukete mieru) can describe a temporary impression, such as one caused by tiredness, rather than a lasting change in appearance.
Other meanings
- ageverb
Opposites
- 若返るwakagaerurejuvenateverb
Related words
- 老け方fukekataway of agingnoun