# 返老还童

fǎn lǎo huán tóng

Regain youthful vitality

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Return from old age to childhood

**Traditional Chinese:** 返老還童

**Register:** Standard · expressive

[Change & possibility](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/change)

## When to use it

Describe feeling or looking rejuvenated.

Usually figurative, not a medical claim.

## Understanding the expression

The expression imagines aging moving backward into youthful freshness. Modern usage usually describes restored energy, a playful mood, or a noticeable improvement in appearance. It often sounds affectionate or exaggerated. The person has not literally reversed their age, and the phrase should not support unsupported claims about a treatment. A satisfying hobby, friendship, or renewed activity can make someone feel young again without changing the realities of age.

## Examples

跳舞让奶奶像返老还童。

### Traditional Chinese

跳舞讓奶奶像返老還童。

tiào wǔ ràng nǎi nai xiàng fǎn lǎo huán tóng 。

Dancing makes Grandma seem youthful again.

见到老同学，他仿佛返老还童。

### Traditional Chinese

見到老同學，他彷彿返老還童。

jiàn dào lǎo tóng xué ， tā fǎng fú fǎn lǎo huán tóng 。

Seeing old classmates made him feel young again.

退休后玩乐队，她觉得返老还童。

### Traditional Chinese

退休後玩樂隊，她覺得返老還童。

tuì xiū hòu wán yuè duì ， tā jué de fǎn lǎo huán tóng 。

Playing in a band after retirement made her feel rejuvenated.

别相信能返老还童的夸大广告。

### Traditional Chinese

別相信能返老還童的誇大廣告。

bié xiāng xìn néng fǎn lǎo huán tóng de kuā dà guǎng gào 。

Do not believe exaggerated advertisements claiming to reverse aging.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E8%BF%94%E8%80%81%E9%82%84%E7%AB%A5)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=885&webMd=1&la=0)

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