sono vecchio
/ˈso.no ˈvɛk.kjo/word by word
To say "I am old" in Italian, you use sono vecchio.
This phrase is used to state that a person has lived for many years. The adjective vecchio is versatile and can be used to describe both people and inanimate objects, such as an old car.
Which one should you use?
While sono vecchio is a direct translation, sono anziano is a more polite and respectful way to say one is old or elderly. Unlike vecchio, the term anziano is used exclusively for people and cannot be used to describe objects.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree with the gender of the speaker. If the speaker is female, the adjective changes from the masculine vecchio to the feminine vecchia, resulting in sono vecchia.
How do you pronounce it?
It has 4 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable of the phrase.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying ho vecchio.
Did you know?
- The word vecchio shares a surprising linguistic root with the Latin word for a 'bull calf', vitulus.
- In some Italian dialects and informal speech, calling someone vecchio can be a term of endearment among close friends, similar to 'old pal'.
- While vecchio describes age, the word antico is used for items of historical value. Calling a piece of furniture vecchio might imply it is simply worn out or junk.
Examples in context
- Sono vecchio.I am old.This example demonstrates the use of sono vecchio.Tatoeba #1547767 by Guybrush88, translation #1547545 by CM
- No, sono troppo in là con gli anni per quel genere di film.No, I am too old for that kind of movie.
- Non riesco a correre perché sono vecchio.I cannot run because I am old.
- Non preoccuparti, sono vecchio e capisco tutto.Don't worry, I am old and I understand everything.
Example conversation
An elderly man is explaining to a woman why he is moving slowly.
- FrancescoCammino lentamente perché sono vecchio.I walk slowly because I am old.
- SofiaNon si preoccupi, Francesco, prendiamoci tutto il tempo.Don't worry, Francesco, let's take all the time we need.
- FrancescoSei molto gentile, Sofia.You are very kind, Sofia.
- SofiaÈ un piacere accompagnarla.It is a pleasure to accompany you.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (sono, vecchio) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sono, vecchio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
