# 老成持重

lǎo chéng chí zhòng

Be mature, experienced, and prudent

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Seasoned and steady in judgment

**Register:** Appreciative · expressive

[Choices & judgment](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/decisions)

## When to use it

Praise measured conduct and responsible judgment.

Can describe a younger person too.

## Understanding the expression

The expression combines experience with steadiness. A person does not rush into promises or lose composure when circumstances become difficult, but weighs responsibilities with care. Age may help produce that quality, yet a younger person can also show it. The praise is about judgment rather than being dull or unwilling to change. A mature response can support bold action when the evidence warrants it, provided the action is considered rather than impulsive.

## Examples

她虽年轻，却老成持重。

### Traditional Chinese

她雖年輕，卻老成持重。

tā suī nián qīng ， què lǎo chéng chí zhòng 。

Although young, she is mature and prudent.

这位经理老成持重，不轻易承诺。

### Traditional Chinese

這位經理老成持重，不輕易承諾。

zhè wèi jīng lǐ lǎo chéng chí zhòng ， bù qīng yì chéng nuò 。

This manager is measured and does not make promises lightly.

危急时，他老成持重地安排撤离。

### Traditional Chinese

危急時，他老成持重地安排撤離。

wēi jí shí ， tā lǎo chéng chí zhòng dì ān pái chè lí 。

In the emergency, he prudently arranged the evacuation.

团队需要老成持重的协调者。

### Traditional Chinese

團隊需要老成持重的協調者。

tuán duì xū yào lǎo chéng chí zhòng de xié tiáo zhě 。

The team needs a mature, steady coordinator.

## 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%E6%88%90%E6%8C%81%E9%87%8D)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=831&webMd=1&la=0)

## Keep exploring

- [老谋深算 lǎo móu shēn suàn Be experienced and calculating in strategy ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/lao-mou-shen-suan)

- [雷厉风行 léi lì fēng xíng Act swiftly and decisively ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/lei-li-feng-xing)

- [利令智昏 lì lìng zhì hūn Let greed cloud judgment ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/li-ling-zhi-hun)

- [量力而行 liàng lì ér xíng Act within your abilities ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/liang-li-er-xing)

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