# 老蚌生珠

lǎo bàng shēng zhū

Have a child at an advanced age

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** An old oyster produces a pearl

**Register:** Formal · literary

[People & connection](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/relationships)

## When to use it

Use a literary, often congratulatory image of late parenthood.

Traditionally associated with a son; can sound dated.

## Understanding the expression

An older oyster producing a precious pearl makes a late arrival seem both surprising and treasured. The expression traditionally celebrates a child born to an older parent, especially a son. Modern usage can extend beyond that narrow association, but its literary tone remains. It does not provide a medical judgment about parenthood or imply that other children are less valuable. In direct conversation, consider whether the family welcomes attention to the parent’s age.

## Examples

他五十岁得子，朋友笑称老蚌生珠。

### Traditional Chinese

他五十歲得子，朋友笑稱老蚌生珠。

tā wǔ shí suì dé zǐ ， péng yǒu xiào chēng lǎo bàng shēng zhū 。

He had a son at fifty, and friends affectionately called it a pearl from an old oyster.

小说里的老父亲老蚌生珠，十分欢喜。

### Traditional Chinese

小說裡的老父親老蚌生珠，十分歡喜。

xiǎo shuō lǐ de lǎo fù qīn lǎo bàng shēng zhū ， shí fēn huān xǐ 。

The older father in the novel was delighted by his late-born child.

夫妻晚年添女，也被亲友称作老蚌生珠。

### Traditional Chinese

夫妻晚年添女，也被親友稱作老蚌生珠。

fū qī wǎn nián tiān nǚ ， yě bèi qīn yǒu chēng zuò lǎo bàng shēng zhū 。

The couple’s daughter born later in life was also warmly described as a precious late arrival.

虽是老蚌生珠，他们仍注重孩子独立。

### Traditional Chinese

雖是老蚌生珠，他們仍注重孩子獨立。

suī shì lǎo bàng shēng zhū ， tā men réng zhù zhòng hái zi dú lì 。

Although the child was a treasured late arrival, they still encouraged independence.

## 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%80%81%E8%9A%8C%E7%94%9F%E7%8F%A0)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=862&webMd=1&la=0)

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