年龄 — meaning in English: age

niánlíng · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for age

年龄

niánlíng

社区

shèqū

分离

fēnlí

竞赛

jìngsài

通话

tōnghuà

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers commonly use the word 年龄 (niánlíng) when discussing someone’s age during social interactions, such as introducing themselves or asking about birthdays. It's also frequently used in formal contexts, like applying for jobs or filling out official documents where age verification is necessary.

Synonyms & nuances

Another word for age is 年纪 (niánjì), which is often used in more informal situations to refer to someone's age, especially among friends. However, 年龄 (niánlíng) sounds more formal and is preferred in official documents or serious discussions.

Culture

The word 年龄 (niánlíng) combines 年 (nián), meaning 'year,' and 龄 (líng), which refers to 'age' or 'years of life.' In Chinese culture, age is significant, often reflecting wisdom and experience. Interestingly, it's common to ask someone's age early in conversations, reflecting a cultural emphasis on age as a marker of respect and social standing.

FAQ

Q.How do I use 年龄 in a sentence?

You can say '我的年龄是 twenty' (wǒ de niánlíng shì twenty) meaning 'My age is twenty.' This structure is straightforward and commonly used in introductions.

Q.Is 年龄 used for both people and things?

No, 年龄 specifically refers to the age of people. For objects, you would use different words, like 年限 (niánxiàn) for the age or lifespan of an item.

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 年龄?

A common mistake is to use 年龄 with non-living things, which is incorrect. Also, remember to pair it with appropriate context, as using it casually can sometimes come off as too direct.

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