old age
N3- Onyomi
- ロウ
- Kunyomi
- お(いる)
- Stroke count
- 6
- JLPT
- N3
Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.
Memory tip
Break 老 down and you get 耂 (old / elder) — a bent back and a walking stick, an elder leaning as they walk, and beside it 匕 (spoon / change) — a spoon turned over to tip out what it holds. Picture a stooped elder figure leaning their weight on a walking stick, put 老 inside it, and let that scene stand for "old age" — old age. The odder the picture, the better it sticks.
Stroke Order
Stroke count: 6
General writing tips
These general rules have exceptions. Follow the animation and numbered frames for this character.
- •上から下へ書きます。Write from top to bottom.
- •左から右へ書きます。Write from left to right.
- •横の画を先に、縦の画を後に書きます。Write horizontal strokes before the vertical strokes that cross them.
- •外側の囲みを先に書き、中を後で書きます。Draw an outer enclosure first, then fill in what is inside.
- •中央を先に、左右を後に書きます。In symmetric shapes, write the centre before the left and right sides.
- •この漢字は6画です。下の練習エリアで順番に書いてみましょう。This kanji has 6 strokes — trace them in order in the practice area below.
Step by step
Practice Writing
Free writing practice — compare your writing with the example. This canvas does not check your shape or stroke order. Draw with a mouse, finger, or pen; scroll outside the square to move down the page.
Trace the faded character, or hide the outline to practise from memory.
Writing Tips
- Follow the order strictly: top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Correct order makes the shape balanced and natural.
- Keep each stroke in one smooth motion — don't lift the pen in the middle of a stroke.
- Close enclosing strokes cleanly so the character does not look open or broken.
- Common mistake: drawing strokes bottom-to-top or right-to-left. Even if the result looks similar, the wrong order shows in handwriting and makes it harder to read.
Example words
老化
rouka
aging
老いる
oiru
to age
老けて
fukete
age — te-form
老ける
fukeru
to age
老朽化
roukyuuka
deterioration with age
老いて
oite
age — te-form
Example sentences (2)
電車で老人の方に席をゆずりました。
でんしゃ で ろうじん の かた に せき を ゆずりました。
densha de roujin no kata ni seki o yuzurimashita.
I gave up my seat to an elderly passenger on the train.
父は体が老いてきたと言っています。
ちち は からだ が おいて きた と いって います。
chichi wa karada ga oite kita to itte imasu.
My father says his body is starting to age.