Japanese word

長老

Pronunciation

Romajichōrō

Meaning

  • nounelder

Example

村の長老にみんなが相談します。mura no chō rō ni mi n na ga sō dan shi ma su

The villagers consult the elder.

Illustration for 長老 (elder)

More examples

長老は祭りの準備について若者に助言しました。chō rō wa matsu ri no jun bi ni tsu i te waka mono ni jo gen shi ma shi ta

The elder advised the young people about preparing for the festival.

Core concept

Describes an older person whose experience makes them a recognized senior figure and source of advice.

Common phrases

  • 長老に相談するchō rō ni sō dan su ru

    consult an elder

  • 長老を敬うchō rō o uyama u

    respect an elder

  • 長老の知恵chō rō no chi e

    the wisdom of an elder

Similar words

年長者nenchōsha: An older person, especially one recognized for age or experience.
老人rōjin: An old person, with age as the main defining feature.

Definition in Japanese

集団や地域で、年長者として人々を導く立場にある人。shū dan ya chi iki de nen chō sha to shi te hito bito o michibi ku tachi ba ni a ru hito

Word origin

The word 長老 (chōrō, "elder") joins 長 (chō, "long; senior") and 老 (rō, "old") in a Sino-Japanese compound for an older person of recognized standing.

Usage tips

  • In English, elder can also be a formal religious title, so it does not always mean only an older person.

Other meanings

  • seniornoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word