lão

[laːw˦ˀ˥]

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

(adjective) old

Register: formal

Where it’s used: Used Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora

Examples

ông lãoan old man

Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Sources & notes

Imported from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-29); community review pending. source ↗

Sense 2

Meaning · English

(pronoun) I/me (used by an old man)

Register: formal

Sense 3

Meaning · English

(pronoun) he/him (an old man)

Register: formal

Common questions

What does “lão” mean?

(adjective) old

Is “lão” formal or informal?

lão is generally formal.