edad
/eˈdad/
The Spanish word edad translates to the English phrase "age", referring to the number of years a person or thing has existed.
edad is used to denote the concept of age or the span of time a person or object has been in existence.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you want to state how old you are or how old someone else is, do not use the verb ser (to be) with edad. Instead, use the verb tener (to have) followed by the word años (years).
How do you pronounce it?
/eˈdad/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid the common mistake of saying you "are" an age by using ser and edad. Instead, use the verb tener with años to correctly state age.
Did you know?
- Spanish uses the term tercera edad (third age) as a respectful euphemism for old age.
- In legal contexts, you will often see mayor de edad, which literally means 'greater of age' but is the standard way to say 'of legal age' or 'an adult'.
- The English word 'eternity' shares the same ancient roots as edad, both tracing back to a concept of a long span of time.
Examples in context
- ¿Cuál es su edad, señor?What is your age, sir?
- Tengo 25 años.I am 25 years old.
- ¿Cuántos años tiene tu hermana?How old is your sister?
- ¿Cuántos años tienes, amigo?How old are you, my friend?
- Tengo veinte añosI am 20 years old
- ¿Qué edad tiene usted?How old are you? (formal)
- Tiene diez años de edad.He/she is ten years of age.
- No me digas tu edad.Don't tell me your age.
- A esa edad, yo era muy tímida.At that age, I was very shy.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are filling out a form at a clinic.
- AlejandroSofía, ¿dónde dice tu edad en el papel?Sofía, where does it say your age on the paper?
- SofíaEstá aquí, al lado de mi nombre.It is here, next to my name.
- AlejandroAh, veo que pusiste tu edad correctamente.Ah, I see you put your age correctly.
- SofíaSí, ya terminé de llenar todo.Yes, I already finished filling everything out.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry edad, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries edad, CC BY-SA 4.0.
