In Cantonese, both 「老」(lou5) and 「舊」(gau6) can be translated as “old” in English, but they have very different meanings and uses. Understanding the difference between these two characters is important, especially when talking about people, relationships, or objects. This passage will help you learn:
How to use 「老」when describing age or seniority
How to use 「舊」to refer to past relationships, former things, or outdated items
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Clear examples with Cantonese pronunciation (Jyutping)
Take your time to study the examples and think about how English sometimes uses the same word (“old”) for many different meanings—while Cantonese keeps things more precise!
1. Meaning Differences（語義差異）
Word
Meaning
Usage
Example (Cantonese + Jyutping)
English Translation
老 (lou5)
Refers to someone or something that has aged or become old; it often expresses seniority, respect, or longstanding status.
Used for people or animals, or to express familiarity/seniority.
老人家 (lou5 jan4 gaa1) – elderly person
老細 (lou5 sai3) – boss
老公 (lou5 gung1) – husband
old (in age), elder, senior
舊 (gau6)
Refers to things, relationships, or concepts that are from the past or no longer current.
Used for non-living things, past versions of relationships, or things that are no longer new or current.
舊衫 (gau6 saam1) – old clothes
舊樓 (gau6 lau2) – old building
舊男友 (gau6 naam4 jau5) – ex-boyfriend
舊同事 (gau6 tung4 si6) – former colleague
old (object), former, ex-
2. Key Usage Differences（用法比較）
Aspect
老 (lou5)
舊 (gau6)
Applies to
Living beings (people/animals), sometimes titles or familiar figures
Non-living objects, past identities or relationships, ideas, habits
Emotional tone
Often warm, respectful, familiar
Neutral; sometimes nostalgic or outdated
Typical translations
elder, aged, veteran, familiar
old (thing), former, ex-
3. Example Sentences with Jyutping
Cantonese Sentence (Jyutping)
English Translation
Explanation
我阿媽老咗。 (ngo5 aa3 maa1 lou5 zo2)
My mother has aged.
Describes someone getting older — use 老.
呢件衫好舊喇。 (ni1 gin6 saam1 hou2 gau6 laa3)
This shirt is very old.
Refers to an object — use 舊.
佢係我老朋友。 (keoi5 hai6 ngo5 lou5 pang4 jau5)
He is an old friend of mine.
Expresses a longstanding, familiar relationship — use 老.
