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How to Say ‘One elderly family member’ in Simplified Chinese

一位老人

yī wèi lǎo rén

[ee way laow ren]

🇨🇳 In China: This is a natural way to explain someone's dietary needs to staff. In real conversation, giving the reason briefly like this helps staff respond without needing extra detail.

Phrase Breakdown

一位

yī wèi

one (polite classifier for people)

一位 is a polite way to say 'one person' when referring to people.

Example

这边有一位客人。

There is one guest here.

Words in this phrase

[ee]

one

The number 'one.' Here it starts the phrase for counting one person politely.

Example

我们这桌有一位老人。

At our table, there is one elderly person.

wèi

[way]

measure word for people

A polite classifier for people, especially useful in customer service and reservations.

Example

有一位老人不能吃太咸。

One elderly person cannot eat food that is too salty.

老人

lǎo rén

[laow ren]

elderly person; old person

Refers to an elderly person. In restaurants, it may imply special dietary or seating needs.

Example

一位老人需要坐得舒服一点。

An elderly person needs to sit a bit more comfortably.

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