老当益壮
老当益壮 (lǎo dāng yì zhuàng) literally means “old should become strong” and expresses “vigor despite age”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving relationships and character.
Also searched as: lao dang yi zhuang, lao dang yi zhuang,老当益壮 meaning, 老当益壮 in english
Vigor despite age
Pronunciation: lǎo dāng yì zhuàng Literal meaning: Old should become strong
Origin & Usage
Ma Yuan, the Han general who kept taking commands into his sixties, was reported in the History of the Later Han to have said that a man of purpose should be firmer for being poor and stronger (壮) for being old (老) — 穷当益坚，老当益壮. He died on campaign in his sixties, which the phrase's users generally know. 益 does the work: not still strong despite age but more so because of it. It is said to and about the old, and it is a genuine compliment rather than a consolation.
Examples
English: "Even in his seventies, he runs marathons and stays active."
Chinese: 他虽然年过七十，但老当益壮，依然参加马拉松。
Related Chinese Idioms
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Intergenerational harmony
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Regain vitality
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dé gāo wàng zhòng
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集思广益
jí sī guǎng yì
Gather wisdom from many
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Youthful potential
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Constantly improve
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根深蒂固
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Deeply entrenched and difficult to change
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开卷有益
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Reading brings wisdom
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 老当益壮 mean in English?
老当益壮 (lǎo dāng yì zhuàng) literally translates to “Old should become strong” and is used to express “Vigor despite age”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Relationships & Character category.
When is 老当益壮 used?
Situation: Even in his seventies, he runs marathons and stays active.
What is the pinyin for 老当益壮?
The pinyin pronunciation for 老当益壮 is “lǎo dāng yì zhuàng”.