Chinese word

元老

Pronunciation

Pinyinyuán lǎo

Meaning

  • nounveteran

Example

她是这个球队的元老，经验很丰富。tā shì zhè ge qiú duì de yuán lǎo jīng yàn hěn fēng fù

She is a veteran of this team and has a lot of experience.

Illustration for 元老 (veteran)

More examples

那位公司元老已经在这里工作了二十年。nà wèi gōng sī yuán lǎo yǐ jīng zài zhè lǐ gōng zuò le èr shí nián

That company veteran has worked here for twenty years.

Core concept

A long-standing figure whose experience and achievements make the person a trusted source of judgment and influence.

Common phrases

  • 公司元老gōng sī yuán lǎo

    company veteran

Similar words

前辈qián bèi: An older person in the same field whose earlier experience earns respect from juniors.
资深人士zī shēn rén shì: A respected professional known for long experience and proven achievements in a field.
长者zháng zhě: An older, respected person known for experience, wisdom, and sound judgment.

Definition in Chinese

在团体中因为资历久、业绩或经验突出而被视为具有影响力和权威的年长成员。zài tuán tǐ zhōng yīn wèi zī lì jiǔ yè jì huò jīng yàn tū chū ér bèi shì wéi jù yǒu yíng xiǎng lì hé quán wēi de nián zhǎng chéng yuán

Word origin

元老 (yuánlǎo, "senior veteran") uses 元 (yuán, "original") and 老 (lǎo, "old") to connect seniority with an established place of authority.

Usage tips

  • The word applies to a long-serving team or club member as well as a public figure, so it is not limited to a formal political title.

Other meanings

  • elder statesmannoun
  • prominent figurenoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word