# 年高德劭

nián gāo dé shào

Be advanced in years and highly virtuous

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Age is high and virtue is admirable

**Register:** Formal · literary

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

## When to use it

Respectfully praise an older person’s moral standing.

Age alone does not establish virtue.

## Understanding the expression

The expression combines many years of life with admirable character. It is a respectful, formal description of an elder whose conduct has earned esteem. The praise should rest on more than age: service, integrity, and care for others make the second half meaningful. It commonly appears in tributes or introductions. A younger person can also be virtuous, but this particular expression highlights the conjunction of long life and recognized moral worth.

## Examples

这位年高德劭的老人深受敬重。

### Traditional Chinese

這位年高德劭的老人深受敬重。

zhè wèi nián gāo dé shào de lǎo rén shēn shòu jìng zhòng 。

This venerable and virtuous elder is deeply respected.

社区请年高德劭的老师致辞。

### Traditional Chinese

社區請年高德劭的老師致辭。

shè qū qǐng nián gāo dé shào de lǎo shī zhì cí 。

The community invited the venerable teacher to speak.

她年高德劭，仍关心公益。

### Traditional Chinese

她年高德劭，仍關心公益。

tā nián gāo dé shào ， réng guān xīn gōng yì 。

She is advanced in years and highly respected, and still supports public causes.

大家向年高德劭的前辈请教。

### Traditional Chinese

大家向年高德劭的前輩請教。

dà jiā xiàng nián gāo dé shào de qián bèi qǐng jiào 。

Everyone sought advice from the virtuous elder.

## 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=%E5%B9%B4%E9%AB%98%E5%BE%B7%E5%8A%AD)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=996&webMd=1&la=0)

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