Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Old and worn out: Describes a person, animal, or thing that is very old and shows clear signs of age, decline, or physical deterioration. It emphasizes not just chronological age but a state of being worn, feeble, or past its prime.
   • Aged and feeble: Specifically for living beings, it connotes advanced age accompanied by physical weakness and frailty.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Căn nhà ấy trông rất già nua. (That house looks very old and worn out.)
  • Ông cụ đã già nua nhưng tinh thần vẫn minh mẫn. (The old man is aged and feeble, but his mind is still sharp.)
  • Những tư tưởng già nua đó không còn phù hợp. (Those antiquated ideas are no longer suitable.)

Advanced Usage

• "già nua" vs. "già": While "già" simply means "old," "già nua" carries a stronger nuance of being decrepit, worn down, and showing the negative effects of time. It often implies a sense of pity or obsolescence.
  • Chiếc xe không chỉ già mà còn già nua, rỉ sét khắp nơi. (The car is not just old; it is decrepit, rusted all over.)

Variants and Related Words

• Già cả (adj): Old, elderly (often used for people, can be more neutral or respectful than "già nua").

  • Khu phố có nhiều người già cả. (The neighborhood has many elderly people.)

• Cổ kính (adj): Ancient, venerable (used for things with historical value, implying dignity, not deterioration).

  • Ngôi đền cổ kính. (The ancient temple.)

Synonyms

• Decrepit: Worn out or ruined because of age or neglect.
• Aged: Very old.
• Senile: (For people) showing the weaknesses of old age, especially mental frailty.
• Antiquated: Old-fashioned or outdated.

Related Idioms

• Già nua sức yếu: Old and weak (emphasizing physical feebleness).
  • Cụ bà già nua sức yếu cần được chăm sóc. (The old woman, aged and weak, needs care.)

1. Old, aged