Guide: How to Say “Older” in Japanese

When it comes to expressing the concept of “older” in Japanese, there are several different words and expressions you can use, depending on the context, formality, and regional variations. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways of saying “older” in Japanese, offering tips, examples, and even delving into regional variations where necessary.

Formal Ways to Say “Older”

Let’s start by looking at some formal expressions to convey the idea of “older” in Japanese.

1. 年上 (としうえ) – This term is commonly used in formal situations to refer to someone who is older. It can be used to describe both people and things. For example: “She is older than me” would translate to “彼女は私より年上です” (Kanojo wa watashi yori toshiue desu).
2. 上 (うえ) – When used with the honorific prefix “お” (お上), this term becomes more respectful and can be used to refer to someone older. It is often used to show deference to a superior or someone of higher social status. For instance, “My older brother” can be expressed as “お兄さん” (Oniisan) or “お上の兄” (Oue no ani).
3. 高齢 (こうれい) – This word specifically refers to old age or being elderly. It is used to describe an advanced age or seniority. For example, “She is an elderly woman” can be translated as “彼女は高齢の女性です” (Kanojo wa kōrei no josei desu).

Informal Ways to Say “Older”

Now, let’s explore some informal ways to express “older” in Japanese, typically used in casual conversations or among peers.

1. 年上 (としょう) – This term is a colloquial abbreviation of “年上” and is often used to describe someone older in a more casual setting. For example, “He is older than me” can be said as “彼は私より年上だよ” (Kare wa watashi yori toshō da yo).
2. お姉さん (おねえさん) – Literally meaning “older sister,” this term can be used to address an older woman or to talk about someone older. It can also be used as a polite way to refer to someone’s older sister. For instance, “Her older sister” can be expressed as “彼女のお姉さん” (Kanojo no oneesan).
3. 年長者 (ねんちょうしゃ) – This phrase is used to describe someone who is older or more senior in a group or organization. It carries a slightly more respectful tone than other informal options. For example, “He is the oldest member of the team” can be expressed as “彼はチームの年長者です” (Kare wa chīmu no nenchōsha desu).

Regional Variations

Japanese language has some regional variations when it comes to expressing “older”. Here are a few examples:

In Kansai dialect (spoken in western Japan, including Osaka and Kyoto), the word “年寄り” (としより) is commonly used to mean “older person” or “elderly”. So, instead of saying “高齢の人” (こうれいのひと) in standard Japanese, you might hear “年寄りの人” (としよりのひと) in Kansai dialect.

Remember that understanding regional variations can enhance your familiarity with different Japanese dialects, but it is not crucial for everyday conversation.

Few Tips for Using “Older” in Japanese

Here are some quick tips to help you better navigate the usage of the various expressions for “older” in Japanese:

• Consider the context and level of formality when choosing the appropriate word or expression.
• Pay attention to honorific prefixes like “お” or polite suffixes like “さん” when addressing or referring to someone older.
• Practice using these expressions in different sentences to solidify your understanding.
• When in doubt, opt for more neutral terms like “年上” or “年長者” to avoid any unintended rudeness or familiarity.

Remember that language is a reflection of culture, so always aim to be respectful and considerate when discussing age-related topics.

By familiarizing yourself with various expressions for “older” in Japanese, you will be better equipped to communicate effectively and politely in different situations and contexts.

So now that you have a handy guide on how to say “older” in Japanese, go ahead and practice incorporating these expressions into your conversations! Best of luck!