edad adulta
/eˌdad aˈdulta/feminine
The English phrase adulthood is translated into Spanish as edad adulta or adultez.
Meaning: time of life (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| edad adulta | /eˌdad aˈdulta/ | feminine |
| adultez | /adulˈteθ/ /adulˈtes/ |
feminine |
Adulthood refers to a specific time of life. You can use la edad adulta when referring to the biological or chronological stage of life. In contrast, adultez is often used in more abstract, psychological or sociological contexts. Other formal ways to refer to this period include etapa adulta (adult stage) or madurez (maturity), which emphasizes being grown-up and responsible.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase edad adulta is a literal translation of the English 'adult age'.
Which one should you use?
Adultez is a single noun meaning 'adulthood', whereas edad adulta is a noun phrase meaning 'adult age'.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase edad adulta, the adjective adulta must be feminine to agree with the feminine noun edad.
How do you pronounce it?
/eˌdad aˈdulta/
Did you know?
- In literature, the move toward adultez is often described using the verb madurar, which also means 'to ripen' like a piece of fruit.
- In Spanish legal contexts, the start of edad adulta is often tied to the mayoría de edad, a phrase that literally means 'majority of age'.
- The Spanish word edad shares the same ancient roots as the English words 'eternity' and 'eon'.
Examples in context
- La madurez implica asumir las responsabilidades propias de la adultez.Maturity involves taking on the responsibilities of adulthood.
- A partir de los 18 años se considera que se ingresa en la edad adulta.From the age of 18, it's considered that one enters adulthood.
- La etapa adulta representa una nueva fase llena de retos y responsabilidades.The adult stage represents a new phase full of challenges and responsibilities.
- A los 18 años alcanzas la mayoría de edad, y se espera que asumas responsabilidades como adulto.At 18 years old, you reach legal age, and it is expected that you take on responsibilities as an adult.
- Desde que consiguió su primer trabajo, Juan está hecho todo un hombre.Since he got his first job, Juan has become a real man.
- Ella alcanzó la edad adulta muy pronto.She reached adulthood very soon.
- Es difícil asumir las responsabilidades de la edad adulta.It is difficult to assume the responsibilities of adulthood.
Example conversation
Two friends discuss the challenges of growing up.
- SofíaExtraño los días de mi infancia, Mateo.I miss the days of my childhood, Mateo.
- MateoYo también, pero la edad adulta es interesante.Me too, but adulthood is interesting.
- SofíaEs verdad, tenemos más libertad ahora.That's true, we have more freedom now.
- MateoExacto, aunque pagar cuentas es difícil.Exactly, although paying bills is difficult.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “adulthood” translations and entries edad adulta, adultez, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries adultez, edad, edad adulta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
