Meaning and Usage
The term 养老院 (yǎnglǎoyuàn) refers to a facility dedicated to the care of elderly people. It is commonly translated as 'nursing home' or 'elderly care home.' This word is often used in contexts involving elder care, family decisions about aging relatives, and social services.
Common Contexts
You will hear 养老院 in conversations about where elderly family members live when they need professional care, or when discussing the quality and services of such institutions. It often appears in news reports, social discussions, and healthcare contexts.
Collocations and Patterns
- 住养老院 (zhù yǎnglǎoyuàn): to live in a nursing home
- 养老院服务 (yǎnglǎoyuàn fúwù): nursing home services
- 养老院护理 (yǎnglǎoyuàn hùlǐ): nursing home care
These collocations highlight the focus on residence and care services.
Register and Tone
The term is neutral and formal, suitable for both spoken and written language. It is not slang or colloquial.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse 养老院 with 敬老院, which is a similar term but less commonly used and sometimes refers to a different type of elder care facility. Also, 养老院 specifically implies a residential care institution rather than just a day care center for the elderly.