Translation guide
Describing people of advanced age, often with nuance of respect, politeness, or context-dependent formality.
To refer to an older person respectfully in general conversation.
Polite and common term for elderly people. Suitable for most situations.
Let's give up our seats for the elderly.
Formal term often used in official contexts, news, or healthcare.
Polite, somewhat formal term often used in service contexts.
elderly customers
To speak humbly about one's own elderly relative.
To describe a person as being of advanced age.
Neutral adjective meaning 'aged' or 'elderly'. Can be used descriptively.
To refer to an old person in casual or blunt speech.
Literally 'grandfather/grandmother', but commonly used for any elderly man/woman. Friendly and warm.
To talk about the elderly as a demographic or social category.
To refer to elderly care, nursing homes, or related concepts.
Nursing care, often for the elderly. Used in compounds.
The English word 'old' can be translated as 古い (ふるい) for objects, but for people it can sound rude. Use 年を取った or 年老いた for neutral description, or polite terms like お年寄り.
お年寄り is polite and common in daily conversation. 高齢者 is more formal and often used in written or official contexts (e.g., 高齢者福祉).
The elderly need more support.
高齢者のための福祉サービス
welfare services for the elderly
Used for one's own elderly family members in humble speech. Can sound blunt if used for others.
Avoid using for other people's family; use お年寄り instead.
My elderly parent is so fussy.
An elderly man was taking a walk in the park.
That elderly man asked me for directions.
Casual, can be affectionate or slightly derogatory depending on context. Use with care.
Can be rude if used for strangers or without close relationship.
The old guy next door is at it again in his garden.
Standard term in news, policy, and formal discussion.
The elderly population is increasing.
Also used collectively in polite speech.
a society that is kind to the elderly
Elderly care work is tough.
She takes care of her elderly mother.