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.
お年寄りに席を譲りましょう。
Let's give up our seats for the elderly.
Formal term often used in official contexts, news, or healthcare.
高齢者のための福祉サービス
welfare services for the elderly
To speak humbly about one's own elderly relative.
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.
うちの年寄りがうるさくて。
My elderly parent is so fussy.
To describe a person as being of advanced age.
Neutral adjective meaning 'aged' or 'elderly'. Can be used descriptively.
年老いた男性が公園を散歩していた。
An elderly man was taking a walk in the park.
Common phrase meaning 'aged' or 'old'. Slightly more casual.
年を取った犬
an elderly dog
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.
あのおじいさんに道を聞かれた。
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.
隣のじいさんがまた庭で何かやってる。
The old guy next door is at it again in his garden.
To talk about the elderly as a demographic or social category.
Standard term in news, policy, and formal discussion.
高齢者の人口が増えている。
The elderly population is increasing.
Also used collectively in polite speech.
To refer to elderly care, nursing homes, or related concepts.
Nursing care, often for the elderly. Used in compounds.
介護の仕事は大変だ。
Elderly care work is tough.
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).
お年寄りにはもっと支援が必要です。
The elderly need more support.
彼女は年老いた母親の世話をしている。
She takes care of her elderly mother.
a society that is kind to the elderly