年長
Meanings
1
noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no', na-adjective, noun
Describes someone older or more senior in age, often in a group or relative comparison. Used as a noun or adjectivally with の/な.
He is older than me.
Senior employees guide the newcomers.
2
third-year kindergarten student
Specific term in Japanese early childhood education for the oldest kindergarten class (typically 5–6 years old). Often used in contexts like 年長組 or 年長さん.
My child will be in the oldest kindergarten class next year.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉より年長だto be older than 〈person〉
He is older than me.
- 年長さんthe oldest kindergarten class, referred to affectionately
You'll be in the oldest class next year.
- 年長の〈人〉a senior/older 〈person〉
I decided to consult with the senior employees.