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For Life
2006.09.21(Review of 2002.10.08 edition)

Hello again!

Now here are two words that, on the surface, couldn't appear simpler. But we'd advise you to read - and use - with care!

Today's LessonCATEGORY: 間違いやすいボキャブラリー
OLD / OLDER   年をとった、年長の

Explanation

  • Someone is old if they have lived a long time.

    Be Careful! When talking about other people, old can sound very direct and negative, especially in expressions such as “old man” and “old woman”. So sometimes the expression older is used instead.*

    * For other less direct ways of saying old, see the 21 and 22 September 2005 WordMasters, “SENIOR CITIZEN” and “ELDERLY”.
  • old とは、長年生きている、つまり、年をとった、年長の、という意味です。

    注意：会話の中で人に対して、特に “old man” や “old woman” などと old という言葉を使った場合、とても直接的で否定的に聞こえる可能性があります。そこで、代わりに older という表現が使われることもあります。*

    * old を直接的に言わない表現としては, 2005/9/21と2005/9/22の WordMaster “SENIOR CITIZEN” と “ELDERLY” を参照してください。

examples

  1. (a movie director)
    I plan to keep making movies until I'm old and gray.
  2. I hadn't seen my Uncle William in ten years. I was surprised how old he looked.
  3. It takes me longer to get over a cold than it used to. I must be getting old.
  4. I'm over 70, which I guess makes me an old man. But I certainly don't feel old. In fact, I'm enjoying life more than ever!
  5. (to the building supervisor)
    How much longer are the elevator repairs going to take? Some of our older employees have been complaining about having to climb four flights of stairs.
  6. a: What did the man look like?
    b: He was an older gentleman, with gray hair and reading glasses. I think he teaches at the university.

英会話レッスンIt's been a pleasure!