Quick answer
老 is the kanji for "Old". It is a JLPT N3 kanji. The main reading is お.いる (oiru). Stroke-order practice is available below.
Meaning
Old
Also : Old age · Grow old · Old man
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Readings
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
6 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 老 represents 'OLD MAN'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of old man.
On-reading: ろう — remember this sound by associating it with old man. Kun-reading: お.いる.
Example Sentences
老人を大切にする社会が大事です。
ろうじんをたいせつにするしゃかいがだいじです。
A society that values the elderly is important.
老後の準備をしています。
ろうごのじゅんびをしています。
I'm preparing for retirement.
Vocabulary using 老
Grammar to study at this level
- [Verb dictionary/nai form] + ように～ように (you ni) - So that
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことにする～ことにする (koto ni suru) - Decide to
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことになる～ことになる (koto ni naru) - It has been decided that
- [Noun/Verb te-form] + ばかり～ばかり (bakari) - Only / Nothing but
- [Verb/Adjective plain form] + はずだ～はずだ (hazu da) - Should be / It is expected
Last updated Jun 11, 2026
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