idoso
/iˈdo.zu/masculine
The English word 'elderly' is translated into Portuguese as idoso.
idoso is used as an adjective meaning 'old' or as a noun meaning 'an elderly person'.
Meaning: old (adj)
Which one should you use?
While idoso is a polite and respectful way to say elderly, the word velho is more blunt and can sometimes be perceived as rude or insensitive depending on the context.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In highly formal, official or professional settings, you may use the phrases pessoa idosa or pessoa de idade avançada. Additionally, the term terceira idade (third age) is often used in official or bureaucratic language.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the word changes based on gender and number: use idosa when referring to a woman, idosos when referring to a group of men or a mixed group and idosas when referring exclusively to a group of women.
How do you pronounce it?
/iˈdo.zu/
Did you know?
- In some Portuguese-speaking contexts, particularly in more traditional settings, an elderly person might be addressed simply as vovô (grandpa) or vovó (grandma) as a sign of affection, even if they are not related to you.
- Portuguese uses the word velho for both people and inanimate objects. Because of this, calling a person velho can subconsciously imply they are 'worn out' like an old piece of furniture.
- In Brazil, you might hear the term melhor idade (better age) used in advertisements or social media to describe the elderly. It is a euphemism used to sound more positive and celebratory than just saying 'old'.
Examples in context
- Este idoso disse algo.This elderly person said something.This sentence is useful for identifying a specific elderly person using idoso.Tatoeba #1646556 by alexmarcelo, translation #1637885 by GeeZ
- Devemos respeitar os idosos.We must respect the elderly.This sentence shows how to refer to the elderly as a group using idoso.Tatoeba #11241720 by carlosalberto, translation #11241701 by carlosalberto
- Os netos visitam os avós idosos.The grandchildren visit their elderly grandparents.This sentence demonstrates the use of idoso as an adjective describing grandparents.Tatoeba #11242059 by carlosalberto, translation #11242026 by carlosalberto
- A pessoa de idade avançada precisa de cuidados especiais.The elderly person needs special care.
- A pessoa idosa colaborou com a pesquisa.The elderly person contributed to the research.
- A terceira idade necessita de mais políticas de apoio.The third age needs more supportive policies.
- Meu avô é um velho muito ativo.My grandfather is a very active old man.
- O Sr. José é um idoso muito simpático.Mr. José is a very kind elderly man.
- O ancião compartilhou sua sabedoria com os mais jovens.The elder shared his wisdom with the younger.
- 17 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mariana and Rodrigo are talking about their neighbor.
- MarianaQuem é aquele senhor idoso ali?Who is that elderly gentleman over there?
- RodrigoEle é o meu vizinho, o senhor Jorge.He is my neighbor, Mr. Jorge.
- MarianaEle parece ser muito gentil.He seems to be very kind.
- RodrigoSim, ele é um idoso muito sábio.Yes, he is a very wise elderly man.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “elderly” translations and entries idoso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
