1.
old tree; aged tree
A tree that has lived for many years, typically with a thick trunk, gnarled branches, and a sense of long history. Often used reverently for trees in temple grounds, shrines, or scenic spots.
庭に大きな老木がある。
There is a large old tree in the garden.
境内の老木は樹齢500年と言われている。
The old tree in the temple grounds is said to be 500 years old.
台風で村のシンボルだった老木が倒れてしまった。
The old tree that was the symbol of the village fell in the typhoon.
Compound of 老 (old, aged) + 木 (tree). A literary, somewhat reverent term—conveys respect for the tree's age rather than a neutral observation.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 樹齢数百年の老木: a centuries-old tree
- 老木が倒れる: an old tree falls
- 老木を守る: to protect an old tree
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 古木: old tree — near synonym, slightly more poetic
- 御神木: sacred tree (at a shrine) — religiously revered
- 大木: large tree — emphasizes size rather than age
- 巨木: giant tree — emphasizes great size