lǎo jì fú lì: 老骥伏枥 - An old steed in the stable still longs to gallop

• Keywords: lao ji fu li, lǎojìfúlì, 老骥伏枥, Chinese idiom, chengyu, old but ambitious, still has ambition in old age, old steed in the stable, never too old to dream, elderly ambition, Cao Cao poem.
• Summary: Discover the meaning of the Chinese idiom (chengyu) 老骥伏枥 (lǎo jì fú lì), a poetic phrase describing an elderly person who, despite their age, still harbors great ambitions and a desire to achieve great things. Originating from a famous poem by the warlord Cao Cao, this term embodies the respected cultural value of an unyielding spirit in one's later years, proving it's never too old to dream.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): lǎo jì fú lì
• Part of Speech: Chengyu (成语) / Idiom
• HSK Level: N/A
• Concise Definition: An old but ambitious person still harbors high aspirations for the future.
• In a Nutshell: Imagine a magnificent, prize-winning racehorse that is now old and resting in its stable. Although its body is no longer in its prime, its spirit is still fiery, and it dreams of galloping a thousand miles. This is the core image of `老骥伏枥`. It's used to praise an older person who refuses to let age extinguish their passion, drive, and ambition.

• 老 (lǎo): Old, aged.
• 骥 (jì): A thoroughbred or fine horse; a steed. This isn't just any old horse; it implies a creature of great talent and past glory.
• 伏 (fú): To lie down, to crouch, to be prostrate. Here, it means lying down in rest.
• 枥 (lì): A stable or a manger/trough for horses.

The characters literally combine to mean “An old, fine steed lies in the stable.” This simple image powerfully conveys the idea of great potential and experience that is currently at rest but is far from finished. The ambition is implied and is the core of the idiom's meaning.

The term `老骥伏枥` comes from one of the most famous poems by the brilliant and formidable warlord Cao Cao (曹操) from the Three Kingdoms period (around 207 AD). The full, iconic lines are: 老骥伏枥，志在千里。烈士暮年，壮心不已。 (lǎo jì fú lì, zhì zài qiān lǐ. lièshì mùnián, zhuàngxīn bùyǐ.) “An old steed may be in the stable, but its ambition is to gallop a thousand miles. A hero in his twilight years still has lofty aspirations that never cease.” This idiom reflects a profound cultural value in China: respect for the enduring spirit and wisdom of elders. It directly opposes the idea that old age is solely a time for quiet rest and withdrawal from life's challenges. Instead, it celebrates the notion that a lifetime of experience can fuel future ambitions. Comparison to a Western Concept: In Western culture, you might hear “age is just a number,” which is a general encouragement to stay active. However, `老骥伏枥` is more specific and poetic. It's not just about staying active, but about retaining grand ambitions (志在千里). It contrasts sharply with cynical phrases like “you can't teach an old dog new tricks.” `老骥伏枥` insists that the “old dog” not only wants to learn new tricks but dreams of winning the entire competition. It is a testament to a fighting spirit that endures until the very end.

`老骥伏枥` is a formal, literary idiom. You won't hear it in casual, everyday conversation. Its usage is reserved for situations that call for a touch of elegance, respect, and historical depth.

• In Formal Settings: It is often used in speeches, formal writing, and news articles to praise an esteemed elder who is still making significant contributions. For example, a journalist might use it to describe an elderly scientist who has just published a groundbreaking paper or a veteran CEO launching a new, ambitious company.
• As a Compliment: You can use it to pay a very high compliment to an older person you respect, such as a mentor, professor, or even a family member, when they embark on a new, challenging endeavor. Saying this shows you recognize and admire their enduring spirit.
• Connotation: The connotation is overwhelmingly positive and respectful. It is a term of high praise.

• Example 1:
  • 这位老科学家已经八十多岁了，还在领导新的研究项目，真是老骥伏枥，志在千里。
  • Pinyin: Zhè wèi lǎo kēxuéjiā yǐjīng bāshí duō suì le, hái zài lǐngdǎo xīn de yánjiū xiàngmù, zhēnshi lǎo jì fú lì, zhì zài qiānlǐ.
  • English: This old scientist is already over eighty, yet he's still leading new research projects. He truly is an old steed in the stable with ambitions of a thousand miles.
  • Analysis: This is a classic use case, praising an elderly intellectual for their continued ambition and contribution. Adding the second part of the original quote, `志在千里 (zhì zài qiānlǐ)`, is very common and adds emphasis.
• Example 2:
  • 我爷爷退休后开了一家公司，大家都说他老骥伏枥，雄心不减当年。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ yéye tuìxiū hòu kāi le yī jiā gōngsī, dàjiā dōu shuō tā lǎo jì fú lì, xióngxīn bù jiǎn dāngnián.
  • English: After my grandfather retired, he started a company. Everyone says he's like an old steed in the stable, with ambitions no less than in his youth.
  • Analysis: This example shows the idiom applied in a family context, but still in a respectful, slightly formal way. It's used to express admiration for a family member's drive.
• Example 3:
  • 看到那位老艺术家的新作品，我不禁感叹他老骥伏枥的创作热情。
  • Pinyin: Kàndào nà wèi lǎo yìshùjiā de xīn zuòpǐn, wǒ bùjīn gǎntàn tā lǎo jì fú lì de chuàngzuò rèqíng.
  • English: Seeing the new work of that old artist, I can't help but marvel at his “old steed in the stable” creative passion.
  • Analysis: Here, the idiom is used to describe a quality—the “lao ji fu li” spirit or passion. This shows its flexibility in sentences.
• Example 4:
  • 董事长虽然年事已高，但他依然老骥伏枥，计划带领公司进入一个全新的市场。
  • Pinyin: Dǒngshìzhǎng suīrán niánshì yǐ gāo, dàn tā yīrán lǎo jì fú lì, jìhuà dàilǐng gōngsī jìnrù yī gè quánxīn de shìchǎng.
  • English: Although the Chairman is advanced in years, he still has the spirit of an old steed, planning to lead the company into a brand-new market.
  • Analysis: This is a typical business context, used to show respect for an elder leader's continued vision and ambition.
• Example 5:
  • 他常以“老骥伏枥”自勉，提醒自己年龄不是停止奋斗的借口。
  • Pinyin: Tā cháng yǐ “lǎo jì fú lì” zì miǎn, tíxǐng zìjǐ niánlíng bùshì tíngzhǐ fèndòu de jièkǒu.
  • English: He often encourages himself with the phrase “an old steed in the stable,” reminding himself that age is not an excuse to stop striving.
  • Analysis: This demonstrates how the idiom can be used for self-motivation, almost like a personal motto for an older individual.
• Example 6:
  • 这位老将军退役多年，如今却投身于慈善事业，可谓是老骥伏枥。
  • Pinyin: Zhè wèi lǎo jiāngjūn tuìyì duōnián, rújīn què tóushēn yú císhàn shìyè, kěwèi shì lǎo jì fú lì.
  • English: This old general retired many years ago, but now he has devoted himself to charity work. You could truly say he's an old steed with new ambitions.
  • Analysis: Shows that the “ambition” doesn't have to be in the same field as one's original career. It's about finding a new, great purpose in later life.
• Example 7:
  • 他是文坛的泰斗，封笔多年后又出版了一本小说，媒体纷纷用“老骥伏枥”来形容他。
  • Pinyin: Tā shì wéntán de tàidǒu, fēngbǐ duōnián hòu yòu chūbǎn le yī běn xiǎoshuō, méitǐ fēnfēn yòng “lǎo jì fú lì” lái xíngróng tā.
  • English: He is a titan of the literary world. After not writing for many years, he published a new novel, and the media rushed to describe him as an “old steed still longing to gallop.”
  • Analysis: A common media usage, highlighting a celebrated comeback or a final great work.
• Example 8:
  • 不要小看我们这些老年人，我们也有老骥伏枥的精神！
  • Pinyin: Búyào xiǎo kàn wǒmen zhèxiē lǎoniánrén, wǒmen yě yǒu lǎo jì fú lì de jīngshén!
  • English: Don't underestimate us elderly folk; we also have the “old steed in the stable” spirit!
  • Analysis: This is a declarative use, where a group claims this ambitious spirit for themselves, often in a proud or defiant tone.
• Example 9:
  • 王教授虽已退休，但他老骥伏枥，依然坚持给博士生上课。
  • Pinyin: Wáng jiàoshòu suī yǐ tuìxiū, dàn tā lǎo jì fú lì, yīrán jiānchí gěi bóshìshēng shàngkè.
  • English: Although Professor Wang has retired, he has the spirit of an old steed and still insists on teaching PhD students.
  • Analysis: Praising a mentor or teacher who continues to contribute to education out of passion, not obligation.
• Example 10:
  • 他的晚年生活充满了活力，完美诠释了什么是老骥伏枥。
  • Pinyin: Tā de wǎnnián shēnghuó chōngmǎn le huólì, wánměi quánshì le shénme shì lǎo jì fú lì.
  • English: His life in his later years is full of vitality, perfectly illustrating the meaning of “an old steed in the stable.”
  • Analysis: A summary statement, using the idiom as a concept to define a person's entire approach to old age.

• Not Just for Any Old Person: A common mistake is to use `老骥伏枥` to describe any elderly person. This idiom is specifically for someone who is not only old but also actively ambitious and striving towards a great goal. You would not use it for a grandparent who is happily and peacefully enjoying a quiet retirement. The key is the ambition (志).
• Formality is Key: Using this highly literary idiom in a very casual or slang-filled conversation would sound strange and out of place. Save it for more formal or written contexts, or when you genuinely want to pay a high compliment.
• False Friend Opposite: Be careful not to confuse the spirit of this idiom with the English phrase “you can't teach an old dog new tricks.” They are philosophical opposites. `老骥伏枥` celebrates the idea that an “old dog” has the wisdom and drive to achieve things a younger one cannot.
• Incorrect Usage Example:
  • “我爷爷80岁了，他喜欢每天在公园里散步，真是老骥伏枥。” (My grandpa is 80 and he likes to walk in the park every day, he's truly `老骥伏枥`.)
  • Why it's wrong: While walking in the park is a healthy activity, it doesn't convey the “grand ambition” central to the idiom's meaning. The idiom requires a sense of striving for a significant achievement, not just gentle daily activity.

• 宝刀不老 (bǎo dāo bù lǎo) - “A treasured sword does not rust.” Very similar; refers to one's skills and abilities remaining sharp despite old age.
• 老当益壮 (lǎo dāng yì zhuàng) - “To be old is to be more vigorous.” Expresses the idea that one should become even more energetic and strong-willed with age.
• 壮心不已 (zhuàng xīn bù yǐ) - “Lofty ambitions never cease.” The second half of the original line from Cao Cao's poem, often used together with `老骥伏枥` to complete the thought.
• 人老心不老 (rén lǎo xīn bù lǎo) - “The body is old, but the heart/mind is not.” A more colloquial and straightforward way to express a similar idea.
• 退而不休 (tuì ér bù xiū) - “To retire without resting.” A modern term that describes the lifestyle of someone who remains very active and engaged after formal retirement.
• 大器晚成 (dà qì wǎn chéng) - “A great vessel takes a long time to complete.” Describes someone who achieves great success late in life. This is about the *timing* of success, while `老骥伏枥` is about the *continuation* of ambition in old age.
• 雄心壮志 (xióng xīn zhuàng zhì) - “Grand aspirations and lofty ambitions.” Describes the type of ambition (`志`) that the “old steed” possesses.
• 曹操 (Cáo Cāo) - The historical figure and poet from the Three Kingdoms period who created this famous phrase. Understanding him provides deep context for the idiom's ambitious and unyielding spirit.