元老 yuánlǎo senior figure
senior figure; elder; doyen
How to remember 元老: 元 yuan + 老 old = senior figure.
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How it is used
- A veteran elder/founding senior figure of an organization - 公司元老 (gōngsī yuánlǎo) a company veteran/founding member.
- Denotes seniority and founding-era prestige - long service, respected standing (党内元老, party elder).
- Register is respectful; implies someone from the early days who commands deference.