Definition
老当益壮 is a four-character idiom (chengyu) meaning 'to become more vigorous or spirited as one grows older'. The literal translation 'gain vigor with age' is misleading — it doesn't mean you physically gain energy, but rather that someone remains active, determined, and energetic in their later years. You can use it to compliment an older person who is still very capable, ambitious, or engaged. It often carries a tone of admiration.
idiom
to become more vigorous and ambitious with ageto remain spirited in old age
Examples
- ，老当益壮，。Tā suīrán qīshí duō suì le, dàn lǎo dāng yì zhuàng, měitiān hái jiānchí gōngzuò.Although he is over seventy, he is still vigorous with age and insists on working every day.
- 老当益壮，。Zhè wèi lǎo jiàoshòu lǎo dāng yì zhuàng, tuìxiū hòu hái xiě le sān běn shū.This old professor is more vigorous with age — he wrote three books after retirement.
- 老当益壮，。Yéye lǎo dāng yì zhuàng, měitiān zǎochen dōu qù gōngyuán pǎobù.Grandpa is still full of vigor in his old age; he goes jogging in the park every morning.
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