Definition

1. Noun:
   • Elder: A person, typically a man, of advanced age who is respected for their wisdom, experience, and standing within a community, family, or organization.
   • Senior: A person of greater age or higher rank, often implying a position of authority or reverence derived from longevity.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Các bậc trưởng lão trong làng có uy tín rất lớn. (The village elders hold great prestige.)
  • Theo truyền thống, mọi việc lớn đều phải bàn với các trưởng lão. (Traditionally, all important matters must be discussed with the elders.)
  • Ông ấy là một trưởng lão đáng kính của dòng họ. (He is a respected elder of the clan.)

Advanced Usage

• In some religious contexts, particularly when referring to Buddhism or certain Christian denominations, "trưởng lão" can be used as a formal title for a senior monk or a church elder, translating directly to "Elder".
  • Trưởng lão Thích Thanh Từ là một cao tăng nổi tiếng. (Elder Thich Thanh Tu is a famous senior monk.)

Variants and Related Words

• Bô lão (n): A near-synonym meaning "elders" or "venerable old people," often used in historical or traditional contexts.
  • Hội đồng bô lão được triệu tập. (The council of elders was convened.)
• Lão thành (adj/n): Veteran; seasoned. Describes someone old and experienced, often in a specific field.
  • Một cán bộ lão thành. (A veteran cadre.)

Synonyms

• Elder: A person of greater age or experience.
• Senior: A person of higher rank or longer service.
• Venerable person: A title of respect for someone worthy of reverence, especially due to age.

Related Idioms

• Kính lão đắc thọ: A proverb meaning "Respect the elderly and you will attain longevity." It emphasizes the virtue of respecting elders.
  • Người Việt có câu "kính lão đắc thọ". (Vietnamese people have the saying, "Respect the elderly and you will attain longevity.")