PhraseNinja

Yojijukugo

Japanese meaning of 老若男女

Reading:

ろうにゃくなんにょ (rounyaku nan-n yo)

English Translation:

Men and women of all ages

Meaning & Cultural Context

Meaning:

An inclusive, set-phrase meaning “people of all ages and genders”; signals universal accessibility.
日本語で読む
年齢も性別も問わない「誰もが対象」であることを示す慣用句。

Cultural Context:

Common in public notices, tourism, and product copy. Functions as a shorthand for inclusivity in Japanese messaging.
日本語で読む
告知・観光・商品コピーで頻出。日本語のインクルーシブ表現として便利な定型句。

Grammar & Learning Points

Grammar Point

• Noun phrase with “を問わず” or “が集まる” to describe people of all ages and genders (“老若男女を問わず”).<br>• Often used in event promotion or inclusivity statements.
日本語で読む
• 年齢や性別に関係なく人々を含むことを表す「〜を問わず」「〜が集まる」（例：「老若男女を問わず」）。<br>• イベント告知や包括的表現で使われる。

Trap for English Speakers

Might be taken as “old and young” only, but it covers all people without restriction.
日本語で読む
単に老若だけでなく、性別も含めて全ての人を意味する点に注意。

Example

Example 1Basic Example

  1. 老若男女が参加できるイベントを企画した。

    We planned an event that anyone, young or old, can join.

Example 2Applied Example

  1. 老若男女が祭りに集まり、賑わいを見せた。

    People of all ages and genders gathered at the festival, creating a lively scene.

Quick check

Meaning

What does 「老若男女」 mean?

More questions: Yojijukugo quiz →