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March 24, 2026
衰老shuāilǎo(shuai1lao3)
衰老 (shuai1 lao3) refers to the process of aging or becoming weak and deteriorated over time. It is often used to describe both the physical and mental decline that accompanies aging, and can appear in contexts discussing health, vitality, and the effects of time on individuals or things.
Frequency#11024DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, aging is often viewed with respect, and there are significant traditions related to honoring the elderly, which can be reflected in discussions about 衰老. The concept of aging is closely tied to wisdom and familial responsibilities, making the term significant in both social and familial contexts.
Memory Tip
Imagine a once vibrant tree (representing youth) that gradually loses its leaves and strength as it ages, becoming frail and withered. The character 衰 combines the radical for 'decline' (衰) with 'old' (老), visually reminding you of the decline of life associated with aging.
Meanings of 衰老
shuāilǎo(shuai1lao3)
1to age
2to deteriorate with age
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 衰老
衰老Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#11024Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 衰老
Podcast: 衰老
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AI Study Notes for 衰老
Quick Contrast
衰退 (shuāituì) — use 衰老 when emphasizing the natural process of aging, while 衰退 suggests a decline in quality or strength that may not be age-related.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a once vibrant tree (representing youth) that gradually loses its leaves and strength as it ages, becoming frail and withered. The character 衰 combines the radical for 'decline' (衰) with 'old' (老), visually reminding you of the decline of life associated with aging.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 衰老 with other aging-related terms like 年老 (nian2 lao3), which emphasizes age rather than deterioration. This term is more formal, so it's suitable for discussions in health or literature, but may sound overly dramatic in casual conversation. Pay attention to the tones, as mispronouncing them can change the meaning.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 衰老 connects with themes of health, life cycles, and human experiences that are commonly discussed at this level. Focus on how this word can be used in various contexts, such as literature or health discussions, to deepen your vocabulary.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, aging is often viewed with respect, and there are significant traditions related to honoring the elderly, which can be reflected in discussions about 衰老. The concept of aging is closely tied to wisdom and familial responsibilities, making the term significant in both social and familial contexts.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes incorrectly say '衰老的人' (shuai1 lao3 de ren2) when referring to an elderly person, which can sound awkward. The correct form is '年老的人' (nian2 lao3 de ren2) for a more natural expression.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 衰老
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Grammar Patterns of 衰老
衰老 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
饮食中摄入过量蛋白质可能会加速____。
Too much protein in the diet may advance the ageing process.
Example Sentences for 衰老 (4)
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1
饮食中摄入过量蛋白质可能会加速衰老。
yǐn shí zhōng shè rù guò liáng dàn bái zhì kě néng huì jiā sù shuāi lǎo。
Too much protein in the diet may advance the ageing process.
Calcium is also necessary to prevent leakage of potassium during the aging of beet slices.
Cultural Notes for 衰老
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, aging is often viewed with respect, and there are significant traditions related to honoring the elderly, which can be reflected in discussions about 衰老. The concept of aging is closely tied to wisdom and familial responsibilities, making the term significant in both social and familial contexts.
Frequently Asked Questions about 衰老
Yes, it can also refer to objects or concepts that deteriorate over time.
While it often has negative connotations, it can also be used in a neutral or even respectful context when discussing the wisdom that comes with age.
