personnes âgées
The English phrase 'elders' can be translated into French as personnes âgées.
The term is used to describe people who are old in age.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of personnes (people) and âgées (aged/old), literally meaning 'aged people'.
Which one should you use?
While personnes âgées is a respectful way to refer to the elderly, the phrase les vieux is much more blunt and can be perceived as disrespectful or rude depending on the context.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
personnes âgées is the standard, polite way to refer to elderly people. Other formal options include Aînés, often used in official or professional contexts and Séniors, which is especially common in marketing or age-related services.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective âgées must agree in gender (feminine) and number (plural) with the noun personnes. To refer to a single elderly person, use the singular form personne âgée.
Did you know?
- In French, the concept of aging is often divided into the premier âge (childhood), deuxième âge (adulthood) and troisième âge (old age). This structural view of life treats elderly status as a distinct developmental stage rather than just a decline in health.
- In a very close family or a small village setting, using la vieille or le vieux can actually be an affectionate way to speak about an elder. This is a major shift from the standard polite usage where these terms are considered blunt.
- The root of âgées comes from the Latin word aetas, which originally referred to a period of time or an era rather than just a person's age.
Examples in context
- Les personnes âgées méritent notre respect et notre attention.Elders deserve our respect and attention.
- Les droits des personnes âgées doivent être protégés.The rights of elders must be protected.
- Les aînés de la société ont beaucoup à offrir en termes de sagesse et d'expérience.The elders of society have a lot to offer in terms of wisdom and experience.
- Ce parc est idéal pour les personnes âgées.This park is ideal for elderly people.
- Il faut respecter les personnes âgées.One must respect the elderly.
- Les personnes âgées aiment souvent le calme.Elderly people often like quietness.
Example conversation
Léa and Nathan are discussing a volunteer project.
- LéaTu veux aider les personnes âgées avec moi ?Do you want to help elderly people with me?
- NathanOui, c'est une excellente idée, Léa.Yes, that is an excellent idea, Léa.
- LéaOn peut aller au centre communautaire.We can go to the community center.
- NathanJe suis d'accord, Nathan est prêt !I agree, Nathan is ready!
