old

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 老 is read ろう, has 6 strokes, and relates to aging and old age.
• Basic usage: 老人 is read ろうじん, and 老化 is read ろうか.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 老人 and 老化
  • 老人 means elderly person.
  • 杖をついた老人に席を譲った。 means “I gave up my seat to an elderly person with a cane.”
  • 老化 means aging or deterioration.
  • 日光による素材の老化を防ぐ塗料を使った。 means “We used a coating that prevents the material from deteriorating in sunlight.”