yuánlǎo: 元老 - Elder Statesman, Founding Figure, Doyen

• Keywords: yuanlao, 元老, Chinese elder statesman, founding figure in Chinese, veteran, doyen, what does yuanlao mean, Chinese political elders, company founder in Chinese, respected senior
• Summary: 元老 (yuánlǎo) is a powerful Chinese noun referring to an elder statesman, founding figure, or a highly respected veteran in any field, from politics to business. More than just an “old person,” a 元老 is a pioneer who holds immense informal power and influence due to their foundational role and deep experience. Understanding this term is key to grasping the cultural importance of seniority, respect, and behind-the-scenes influence in Chinese society.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): yuán lǎo
• Part of Speech: Noun
• HSK Level: N/A
• Concise Definition: An elder statesman, founding figure, or highly respected veteran with significant influence.
• In a Nutshell: Imagine the founder of a successful company who has officially retired. They no longer have a title on the door, but when they speak, everyone in the company—from the new CEO to the interns—listens. That person is a 元老. The term combines deep respect, historical importance, and continued, often informal, authority.

• 元 (yuán): This character means “first,” “primary,” or “origin.” Think of it as the starting point of something, like the first dollar (元) or the first year of an era (元年, yuánnián).
• 老 (lǎo): This character means “old,” “aged,” or “venerable.” It's the same character in “teacher” (老师, lǎoshī), where it carries a sense of respect and experience.
• When combined, 元老 (yuánlǎo) literally translates to “original elder” or “first elder.” This perfectly captures the idea of someone who was there from the very beginning and has now reached a venerable, senior status.

The concept of 元老 is deeply rooted in Chinese culture, which traditionally places a high value on age, experience, and respect for one's elders (a core tenet of Confucianism). A 元老 is the embodiment of this cultural value within an organization or a field. Historically, the most famous example is the “Eight Elders” (八大元老, Bā Dà Yuánlǎo) of the Communist Party of China. In the 1980s and 90s, these retired revolutionary leaders, led by Deng Xiaoping, held no formal top government posts but wielded the ultimate political power in the country from behind the scenes. Their influence demonstrates the core of the 元老 concept: formal titles are less important than historical legitimacy and personal authority. Comparison to Western Culture: In the West, a similar concept might be an “elder statesman,” “doyen,” or “founding father.” However, the influence of a 元老 is often more profound and less formal. While a Western “elder statesman” might serve as a respected advisor, a Chinese 元老 can act as a final arbiter or kingmaker whose “suggestion” is effectively a command. Their power stems not just from a successful career, but from their status as a foundational pillar of the institution they helped build.

元老 is a term of great respect and is used in various formal and informal contexts. Its connotation is almost universally positive.

• In Politics: Used to describe retired high-level officials who still have a say in political appointments and policy direction. It's a way to acknowledge their continued, albeit unofficial, influence.
• In Business: Refers to the founder or one of the first key employees of a company, especially one who is still with the company or maintains a strong relationship with it. They are the keepers of the company's “DNA.” A common phrase is “公司元老” (gōngsī yuánlǎo), meaning “company founder/veteran.”
• In Academia and the Arts: Describes a pioneering scholar, artist, or scientist who established a new field of study or artistic movement. They are the “titans” whose work laid the foundation for generations to follow.
• In Sports: Used for a long-serving, highly respected player on a team who acts as a leader and mentor. They are often called the “球队元老” (qiúduì yuánlǎo), the “team's elder.”

• Example 1:
  • 他是这家公司的元老，人人都很尊敬他。
  • Pinyin: Tā shì zhè jiā gōngsī de yuánlǎo, rénrén dōu hěn zūnjìng tā.
  • English: He is a founding figure of this company; everyone respects him greatly.
  • Analysis: This is a classic business context. It emphasizes that his status comes from being a foundational member, which commands universal respect.
• Example 2:
  • 作为政界的元老，他的意见对现任领导有很大影响。
  • Pinyin: Zuòwéi zhèngjiè de yuánlǎo, tā de yìjiàn duì xiànrèn lǐngdǎo yǒu hěn dà yǐngxiǎng.
  • English: As an elder statesman in the political world, his opinion has a great influence on the current leadership.
  • Analysis: This sentence highlights the informal power a 元老 wields, influencing decisions even without an official position.
• Example 3:
  • 这位教授是物理学界的元老级人物。
  • Pinyin: Zhè wèi jiàoshòu shì wùlǐxué jiè de yuánlǎo jí rénwù.
  • English: This professor is a doyen-level figure in the world of physics.
  • Analysis: The suffix “级” (jí) means “-level” or “-class.” “元老级” is a common way to describe someone who has the status of a 元老.
• Example 4:
  • 在做出重大决定前，CEO特意去请教了公司的几位元老。
  • Pinyin: Zài zuòchū zhòngdà juédìng qián, CEO tèyì qù qǐngjiào le gōngsī de jǐ wèi yuánlǎo.
  • English: Before making a major decision, the CEO made a special trip to consult several of the company's founding figures.
  • Analysis: This shows the practical application of a 元老's influence. Their wisdom and approval are actively sought.
• Example 5:
  • 他是球队的元老，从球队成立第一天起就在这里了。
  • Pinyin: Tā shì qiúduì de yuánlǎo, cóng qiúduì chénglì dì yī tiān qǐ jiù zài zhèlǐ le.
  • English: He is the team's veteran leader, having been here since the very first day the team was founded.
  • Analysis: This sports example clearly links the term 元老 to being present from the “origin” (元).
• Example 6:
  • 爷爷是我们家族的元老，家里的大事都要听他的。
  • Pinyin: Yéye shì wǒmen jiāzú de yuánlǎo, jiālǐ de dàshì dōu yào tīng tā de.
  • English: Grandpa is the patriarch (elder) of our family; all major family matters are decided by him.
  • Analysis: This brings the concept down to a family level, where the patriarch or matriarch functions as the family's 元老.
• Example 7:
  • 这位元老见证了公司的起起落落。
  • Pinyin: Zhè wèi yuánlǎo jiànzhèng le gōngsī de qǐqǐluòluò.
  • English: This founding figure has witnessed all the ups and downs of the company.
  • Analysis: This sentence emphasizes the deep experience and historical perspective that a 元老 possesses.
• Example 8:
  • 他是“三朝元老”，辅佐过三任董事长。
  • Pinyin: Tā shì “sān cháo yuánlǎo”, fǔzuǒ guò sān rèn dǒngshìzhǎng.
  • English: He is a “veteran of three reigns,” having assisted three different chairmen.
  • Analysis: “三朝元老” (sān cháo yuánlǎo) is a set phrase, literally “three-dynasty elder.” It's used to describe someone with incredible longevity and staying power within an organization.
• Example 9:
  • 尽管已经退休，但几位元老在党内仍然很有发言权。
  • Pinyin: Jǐnguǎn yǐjīng tuìxiū, dàn jǐ wèi yuánlǎo zài dǎng nèi réngrán hěn yǒu fāyánquán.
  • English: Although they have already retired, several elder statesmen still have a significant say within the party.
  • Analysis: “发言权” (fāyánquán) means “the right to speak” or “a say in matters.” This directly points to the source of their informal power.
• Example 10:
  • 想要理解我们公司的文化，你必须和那些元老们聊一聊。
  • Pinyin: Xiǎngyào lǐjiě wǒmen gōngsī de wénhuà, nǐ bìxū hé nàxiē yuánlǎomen liáoyiliao.
  • English: If you want to understand our company's culture, you have to talk with those founding members.
  • Analysis: This shows that the 元老 are seen as the living embodiment of an organization's history and culture.

• 元老 (yuánlǎo) vs. 老人 (lǎorén): This is the most critical distinction for a learner. 老人 (lǎorén) simply means “old person” or “elderly person.” 元老 (yuánlǎo) is a title of respect for a founder or influential veteran. You cannot use 元老 to refer to a random elderly person on the street.
  • Incorrect: 公园里的那个元老在散步。(Gōngyuán lǐ de nàge yuánlǎo zài sànbù.)
  • Correct: 公园里的那个老人在散步。(Gōngyuán lǐ de nàge lǎorén zài sànbù.) - “That old person in the park is taking a walk.”
• Not Just Any “Veteran”: The English word “veteran” can be broad. Someone who has worked at a company for 15 years might be called a “veteran employee,” but they wouldn't necessarily be a 元老 unless they were part of the founding team or had a uniquely influential role. 元老 implies a connection to the *origin* (元).

• 前辈 (qiánbèi) - Senior, predecessor. This is a general term for anyone who is older or has more experience than you in a certain setting (e.g., school, work). All 元老 are 前辈, but very few 前辈 are 元老.
• 创始人 (chuàngshǐrén) - Founder. This is a direct and literal term. While a 创始人 is often a 元老, 元老 can also refer to other key early figures who weren't the sole founder. 元老 emphasizes their continued influence after the founding stage.
• 元勋 (yuánxūn) - Founding father (of a nation), a person of great and foundational merit. More formal and grand than 元老, usually reserved for historical figures who built a country.
• 泰斗 (tàidǒu) - A leading authority or titan in an academic or artistic field. This term emphasizes supreme expertise and authority (e.g., “the titan of modern Chinese literature”), while 元老 emphasizes a foundational role and seniority.
• 老将 (lǎojiàng) - Literally “old general.” A term often used in sports or business for a seasoned veteran who can be relied on for their experience, especially in a tough situation. It's similar to 元老 but focuses more on experience than foundational status.
• 老资格 (lǎo zīgé) - An old-timer, someone with seniority. This term is more about the length of service. It can be neutral but sometimes implies someone who is coasting on their seniority, whereas 元老 is always a term of deep respect.
• 八大元老 (Bā Dà Yuánlǎo) - The Eight Elders. A specific historical term referring to the group of retired CPC leaders who dominated Chinese politics in the 1980s and 90s.