Japanese word

老衰

Pronunciation

Romajirōsui

Meaning

  • nounsenility

Example

祖父は老衰で亡くなりました。so fu wa rō sui de na ku na ri ma shi ta

My grandfather died of senility.

Illustration for 老衰 (senility)

More examples

医師は、症状が老衰によるものかどうかを確認しました。i shi wa shō jō ga rō sui ni yo ru mo no ka dō ka o kaku nin shi ma shi ta

The doctor checked whether the symptoms were due to senility.

Core concept

Refers to the loss of physical and mental strength that gradually accompanies growing older.

Common phrases

  • 老衰が進むrō sui ga susu mu

    senility progresses

  • 老衰が原因でrō sui ga gen in de

    because of senility

  • 老衰のためrō sui no ta me

    because of senility

Similar words

老化rōka: The gradual physical and mental changes that accompany growing older.
衰弱suijaku: A loss of physical strength caused by aging, illness, or other conditions.
衰えotoroe: A decline in strength, ability, or condition that develops over time.

Definition in Japanese

高齢になるにつれて、体力や心身の機能が次第に低下すること。kō rei ni na ru ni tsu re te tai ryoku ya shin shin no ki nō ga shi dai ni tei ka su ru ko to

Word origin

老衰 (rōsui) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 老 (rō, "old age") and 衰 (sui, "weaken"), describing weakening associated with advanced age.

Usage tips

  • The English word senility can focus on mental decline, but 老衰 (rōsui) covers the general decline of bodily and mental functions caused by aging.

Opposites

  • 若返りwakagaerirejuvenationnoun

Word lists with this word