Definition
老祖宗 is a reverential term for ancestors or forefathers, often used in family or cultural contexts to refer to the earliest known ancestors of a lineage. It carries a tone of respect and is commonly used in expressions like 老祖宗留下的规矩 ('rules left by the ancestors'). Unlike the more neutral 祖先, 老祖宗 emphasizes seniority and veneration.
n.
ancestor(s)forefather(s) (with a reverential tone)
Examples
- 老祖宗。Zhè shì lǎo zǔ zōng liú xiàlai de chuántǒng.This is a tradition passed down by our ancestors.
- 老祖宗。Wǒmen jiā de lǎo zǔ zōng shì cóng nánfāng bān lái de.Our family's ancestors moved here from the south.
- ，老祖宗。Guònián shí, dàjiā dōu huì jìbài lǎo zǔ zōng.During the New Year, everyone pays respects to their ancestors.
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