Translation guide
The English phrase "grow old" can refer to the natural process of aging, reaching old age, or the emotional feeling of becoming older. In Japanese, the most common and natural way to express this is with the verb 年を取る (としをとる). However, depending on context, other expressions like 老いる (おいる), 年を重ねる (としをかさねる), or 歳を食う (としをくう) may be more appropriate. This guide helps you choose the right expression for your intended meaning.
Expressing the natural process of getting older, without strong positive or negative connotations.
The most common and neutral way to say 'grow old' or 'get older'. It can be used for people, and sometimes for animals or things metaphorically.
年を取ると、体が弱くなる。
As you grow old, your body becomes weaker.
彼は年を取っても元気だ。
He is energetic even though he has grown old.
Same meaning as 年を取る, but uses the kanji 歳 which specifically refers to age in years. Slightly more formal or written style.
歳を取るにつれて、趣味が変わった。
As I grew older, my hobbies changed.
A somewhat literary or formal verb meaning 'to grow old' or 'to age'. Often implies the decline associated with old age. Can be used for people, animals, or things.
老いてもなお、彼の情熱は衰えなかった。
Even as he grew old, his passion did not wane.
Expressing the idea of growing older in a positive, graceful, or neutral way, emphasizing the accumulation of years and experience.
Literally 'to pile up years'. A positive or neutral expression for growing older, often implying maturity, experience, or grace. Common in polite or written contexts.
年を重ねるごとに、人生の深みが増す。
As you grow older, the depth of life increases.
彼女は年を重ねても美しい。
She is beautiful even as she grows older.
Same as 年を重ねる but with the kanji 歳. Slightly more formal or written.
歳を重ねるにつれ、健康の大切さを実感する。
As I grow older, I realize the importance of health.
Expressing the negative aspects of aging, such as physical or mental decline, or becoming elderly in a less favorable sense.
To age noticeably, to become old and decrepit. Often used when someone suddenly looks or acts much older, or has let themselves go.
退職してから急に老け込んだ。
He suddenly grew old after retiring.
As above, but here emphasizing the decline. Can be used in phrases like 老いぼれる (to become senile).
A rough, colloquial way to say 'grow old' or 'get older'. Literally 'to eat years'. Can sound crude or self-deprecating. Often used by men.
Describing how objects, buildings, or abstract things 'grow old' or show signs of age.
To look old, to become worn or antiquated. Used for objects, buildings, etc. that show their age.
この家は古びているが、味わいがある。
This house has grown old, but it has character.
Literally 'to pass years'. Used for things that have existed for a long time, like buildings, trees, or traditions. Neutral or positive.
年を経た神社には独特の雰囲気がある。
A shrine that has grown old has a unique atmosphere.
To become decrepit, dilapidated, or obsolete due to age. Used for infrastructure, equipment, etc. Technical/formal.
老朽化した橋の補修が必要だ。
The bridge that has grown old needs repair.
Expressing the romantic or lifelong commitment of aging alongside a partner.
The most direct and natural way to say 'grow old together'. Can be used in casual or formal contexts.
あなたと一緒に年を取りたい。
I want to grow old with you.
A more poetic or literary way to say 'grow old together'. Often used in vows or romantic writing.
共に老い、共に人生を楽しもう。
Let's grow old together and enjoy life together.
年を取る is the most common and neutral. 老いる is more literary and often implies decline. 年を重ねる is positive/graceful, emphasizing accumulated experience. Choose based on the nuance you want to convey.
老ける means 'to look old' or 'to age prematurely', not the process of growing old. Saying 老けたね (You look old) can be very rude.
年を取りたくない。
I don't want to grow old.
彼女は優雅に年を重ねた。
She has grown old gracefully.
その建物は老朽化して改修が必要だ。
The building has grown old and needs renovation.
When you grow old, obey your children. (proverb)
俺も歳を食ったなあ。
I've gotten old, huh.