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馬齢を重ねる (ばれいをかさねる) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
expression, ichidan verb
grow older without achieving anything
humble (kenjougo)
Humble expression used to modestly describe one's own aging, often implying a lack of notable accomplishments. Commonly used in self-deprecating remarks or formal greetings.
馬ば 齢れい を 重かさ ねる ばかり で 、 何なん の ご 恩おん 返がえ し も でき ず 申もう し 訳わけ あり ませ ん 。
I am sorry that I have only been getting older without being able to repay your kindness in any way.
Kanji 重 heavy, important, esteem Similar words 年とし を 取と る Neutral expression for aging, without the humble or self-deprecating nuance of 馬齢を重ねる.
老ふ ける Focuses on physical signs of aging, often with a negative connotation, unlike the humble and modest tone of 馬齢を重ねる.
Etymology Literally 'to pile up horse years'. The phrase uses 馬齢 (horse age) as a humble metaphor for one's own age, implying that one has merely added years like a horse without notable achievements. The exact origin is uncertain, but it is a set phrase in humble speech.
