元老

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Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"元老" refers to a senior or veteran member of an organization, often someone with long-standing experience and respected authority. It is commonly used to describe founders, early members, or highly experienced individuals who have contributed significantly over time.

Common Contexts

You will often hear "元老" in business, politics, or social groups to denote someone who has seniority and influence. It carries a respectful tone and implies both experience and status.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 元老成员 (veteran member): refers to a senior member with long experience.
  • 元老会议 (senior members' meeting): a meeting of the most experienced or founding members.
  • 作为元老 (as a veteran): used to highlight the speaker's or subject's senior status.

Usage Tips

When using "元老," it is important to note it is not just about age but about experience and contribution. Avoid using it for someone simply old in age without notable status. It is a formal term and often used in professional or organizational contexts.

Common Confusion

Do not confuse "元老" with "老人" which simply means elderly person. "元老" implies respect and seniority in a group, not just age.

Example Sentences

He is a veteran of the company and has been involved in all major decisions

As a senior member, he expressed important opinions at the meeting.

This veteran enjoys a high reputation within the industry.