anciano
/anˈθjano/
The Spanish word for 'elder' (as in an old person) is anciano.
Meaning: old person (noun)
Which one should you use?
While anciano refers to an elderly person, the word mayor is used to describe someone who is older in age relative to another person, such as an elder sibling.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Anciano is a respectful and formal way to refer to an old person. This makes it more dignified than the more colloquial term viejo. For formal occasions where one wishes to convey reverence, the phrase Anciano respetable (respectable elder) can be used.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, anciano is a common way to refer to an elder.
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form used to refer to an elder female is anciana.
How do you pronounce it?
/anˈθjano/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid calling a person un viejo to mean 'an elder'. This can be perceived as rude or insensitive. Instead, use the more dignified anciano.
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, addressing an anciano as abuelo (grandfather) is a common sign of affection and respect, even if there is no biological relation.
- The word anciano comes from the Vulgar Latin *anteānus, which originally referred to someone who had gone 'before' others in time.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, there is a custom of 'pedir la bendición', where children and grandchildren ask an anciano for their blessing by kissing their hand or forehead.
Examples in context
- El anciano falleció recientemente.The elder passed away recently.Tatoeba #10277859 by Seael, translation #5289549 by SnowyDoll
- Un anciano entró a la vieja iglesia con su hijo mayor, su hija menor, y su pequeño bebé.An old man entered the old church with his elder son, his younger daughter and her little baby.Tatoeba #1433811 by marcelostockle, translation #1422300 by alciono
- Señor López, me gustaría presentarle al anciano de nuestra comunidad.Mr. Lopez, I would like to introduce you to the elder of our community.
- El presidente dio un discurso junto a los mayores del pueblo.The president gave a speech alongside the elders of the town.
- El anciano camina lentamente por el parque.The old man walks slowly through the park.
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are sitting on a bench in a park.
- Lucía¿Viste a ese anciano?Did you see that old man?
- JavierSí, parece un anciano muy amable.Yes, he looks like a very kind old man.
- LucíaÉl siempre saluda a todo el mundo.He always greets everyone.
- JavierEs un buen hombre.He is a good man.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry anciano, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries anciano, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
