老成 (lǎochéng): mature (especially beyond one's…

Meanings

1 mature (especially beyond one's years)
2 experienced
3 sophisticated
4 steady; level-headed

Characters

老

Examples

这孩子说话办事很老成。

Zhè háizi shuōhuà bànshì hěn lǎochéng.

This kid speaks and handles things in a remarkably mature way.

他长得很老成，看起来比实际年龄大。

Tā zhǎng de hěn lǎochéng, kàn qǐlái bǐ shíjì niánlíng dà.

He looks very mature — older than his actual age.

Tips

usage

Two distinct uses: (1) praise — 老成持重 (lǎochéng chízhòng) means 'mature and prudent' for someone wise beyond their years; (2) descriptive about appearance — 长得老成 just means 'looks older than they are,' neutral. Not the same as 老气 (lǎoqì), which is mildly negative ('aging-looking, dated').