Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| anciano | /anˈθjano/ /anˈsjano/ |
| entrado en años | /enˌtɾado en ˈaɲos/ |
The term anciano is used to describe someone who is old. You may also encounter the phrase la tercera edad (the third age), which is commonly used in formal or social contexts to refer to the elderly population as a whole.
Which one should you use?
While viejo can be used to mean old, anciano is a more respectful and formal way to refer to an elderly person. You can also use the phrase entrado en años, which is a polite, euphemistic way to say someone is elderly.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term anciano is a formal way to say 'elderly' for males. For a more formal way to say 'older person', you can use persona mayor and in professional or legal contexts, the term adulto mayor is used to describe older adults. Conversely, viejo is an informal term for an old person or someone who is old for males and mayores can be used informally to refer to a group of elderly people. The phrase entrado en años is considered a polite way to describe being advanced in years.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word anciano changes its ending to anciana to refer to an elderly woman. The plural form ancianos can refer to a group of elderly men or a mixed group of elderly men and women.
How do you pronounce it?
/anˈθjano/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, calling someone mi viejo or mi vieja is a common and loving way to refer to one's father or mother.
- The word anciano is actually a distant relative of the English word 'ancient'. Both words trace their lineage back to the Latin root for 'before'.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, you will see the term la tercera edad used in advertisements or government services. It literally means 'the third age', referring to the period of life after work and parenthood.
Examples in context
- Los ancianos merecen respeto.Elderly people deserve respect.This sentence shows how to use anciano when talking about respect for elderly people.Tatoeba #1398260 by Ankio, translation #13050105 by araneo
- Un anciano reposaba bajo un árbol.An elderly person was resting under a tree.This sentence uses anciano to describe an elderly person resting.Tatoeba #2217464 by marcelostockle, translation #427774 by witbrock
- Ella le dio su asiento a un anciano.She gave her seat to an elderly person.This sentence uses anciano to describe giving a seat to an elderly person.Tatoeba #4750080 by marcelostockle, translation #4736933 by paper1n0
- Mi abuela es una anciana muy respetada en la comunidad.My grandmother is a highly respected elderly woman in the community.
- La residencia de personas mayores ofrece servicios y actividades personalizados.The assisted living facility offers personalized services and activities for older people.
- El plan de jubilación está diseñado para brindar seguridad financiera a los adultos mayores.The retirement plan is designed to provide financial security for the elderly.
- Mi abuelo es un viejo muy alegre y activo a pesar de su edad.My grandfather is a very cheerful and active old man despite his age.
- En el centro comunitario, organizamos actividades para personas de la tercera edad.At the community center, we organize activities for the elderly.
- En el parque, los mayores disfrutan de su tiempo libre compartiendo historias y risas.In the park, the elderly enjoy their free time sharing stories and laughter.
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are walking in a park.
- DanielMira a aquel señor anciano.Look at that elderly man.
- LucíaSe ve muy sabio.He looks very wise.
- DanielCreo que es un anciano amable.I think he is a kind elderly man.
- LucíaTienes razón, Daniel.You are right, Daniel.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “elderly” translations and entries anciano, entrado en años, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries anciano, en, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
