# 老当益壮

lǎo dāng yì zhuàng

Remain vigorous and ambitious in old age

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Grow stronger as one grows older

**Traditional Chinese:** 老當益壯

**Register:** Respectful · general

[Effort & growth](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/effort)

## When to use it

Admire an older person's energy and resolve.

Avoid implying older people must prove their worth.

## Understanding the expression

The phrase challenges the assumption that age must weaken a person's will and activity. It praises someone who continues to work, learn, travel, or contribute with energy in later life. The strength can be mental as well as physical. It is often affectionate or respectful, but should suit the person's own interests. People do not owe others constant achievement simply to show that age has not stopped them.

## Examples

爷爷老当益壮，每周爬山。

### Traditional Chinese

爺爺老當益壯，每週爬山。

yé ye lǎo dāng yì zhuàng ， měi zhōu pá shān 。

Grandpa remains vigorous and hikes weekly.

她老当益壮，还在学习新语言。

### Traditional Chinese

她老當益壯，還在學習新語言。

tā lǎo dāng yì zhuàng ， hái zài xué xí xīn yǔ yán 。

She remains energetic in old age and learns a new language.

退休教师老当益壮，继续办读书会。

### Traditional Chinese

退休教師老當益壯，繼續辦讀書會。

tuì xiū jiào shī lǎo dāng yì zhuàng ， jì xù bàn dú shū huì 。

The retired teacher remains active and runs reading groups.

老人老当益壮，带队完成演出。

### Traditional Chinese

老人老當益壯，帶隊完成演出。

lǎo rén lǎo dāng yì zhuàng ， dài duì wán chéng yǎn chū 。

The older performer led the team through the show with vigor.

## 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%E7%95%B6%E7%9B%8A%E5%A3%AF)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=95&webMd=1&la=0)

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