On in years Meaning in English
expression
ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn/ /ˈɪn/, /ɪn/ /ˈjɪɹz/, /jɝz
AHN-in-YEERZ
ˈɒn/ /ˈɪn/ /jˈiəz
ON-in-YEE-uhz
Definition
Used to describe someone who is getting old or is already elderly.
Usage & Nuances
This phrase is somewhat formal or gentle and is often used as a polite way to say someone is old. Most common in spoken or written descriptions; rarely used directly to someone about themselves. Often appears as "getting on in years".
Spanish: entrado en años - mayorPortuguese (BR): avançado em idade - idosoPortuguese (PT): avançado em idade - idosoChinese (Simplified): 年纪大了 - 上了年纪Chinese (Traditional): 年紀大了 - 上年紀Hindi: वृद्ध - उम्रदराज़Arabic: كبير في السنBengali: বয়সে প্রবীণRussian: в возрасте - пожилойJapanese: 年配 - 年を取ったVietnamese: lớn tuổi - cao tuổiKorean: 나이가 든 - 연세가 많은Turkish: yaşını almış - yaşlıUrdu: عمر رسیدہIndonesian: lanjut usia - tua
Example Sentences
My grandfather is on in years now and needs help at home.
basic
Our dog is getting on in years and can't run as fast as before.
basic
Some of our teachers are on in years, but they are still energetic.
basic
She may be on in years, but her mind is as sharp as ever.
natural
You can tell he's on in years from the stories he tells about the old days.
natural
He's a bit on in years, but he still enjoys hiking every weekend.
natural