Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Venerably old, elderly: Describes a person who is advanced in age and commands respect due to their years and experience. It implies not just old age but also the dignity and honor associated with it.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Lễ độ với người già cả. (To be courteous to the elderly people.)
  • Trong làng có nhiều cụ già cả rất được kính trọng. (In the village, there are many venerably old elders who are highly respected.)
  • Sự khôn ngoan của người già cả thật đáng quý. (The wisdom of the elderly is truly precious.)

Advanced Usage

• The term già cả carries a connotation of respect and veneration. It is more formal and honorific than the simpler word già (old). It is often used in formal, respectful, or literary contexts when referring to elders in a community or family.

Variants and Related Words

• Già (adj): Old. A more general and neutral term for old age.
• Cao tuổi (adj): Advanced in age, elderly. A polite and common term.
• Lão thành (adj): Veteran, senior; often used for experienced individuals in a field.

Synonyms

• Cao niên: Of advanced age.
• Tuổi tác: Aged (often used in the phrase "người có tuổi tác" - an elderly person).

Notes on Meaning

• Già cả specifically emphasizes the state of being both old and worthy of reverence. It is not typically used for objects or abstract concepts, only for people. It does not have a negative connotation like some words for "old" might; instead, it is respectful.

1. Venerably old, elderly
   • Lễ độ với người già cả
     To be courteous to the elderly people