viejito
/bjexito/from spelling rules
The English phrase "little old man" is translated into Spanish as viejito.
viejito is an affectionate or endearing way to refer to an elderly man.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is formed from viejo (old man) and the diminutive suffix -ito (little/dear).
Which one should you use?
While viejo can be used affectionately, viejito specifically emphasizes endearment or a sense of smallness/frailty through the diminutive.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
viejito is an informal and affectionate term. For a more polite and respectful way to refer to an elderly man, such as an "elderly gentleman," you should use Señor de edad avanzada. Another informal option for "little old man" is viejecito, which is also an affectionate diminutive of viejo.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form is viejitos.
How do you pronounce it?
/bjexito/
Did you know?
- The root of viejito comes from the Latin word vetus, making it a distant relative of the English word 'veteran'.
- While viejito is affectionate, using the phrase mi viejo to refer to a spouse is a common way to say 'my husband'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the suffix used in viejito can be applied to things that are not small at all, using it instead to express emotional warmth or intimacy.
Examples in context
- Mi abuelito es un viejecito adorable.My grandpa is an adorable little old man.
- En el parque, hay un hombrecito mayor que siempre lleva su gorra.In the park, there's a little old man who always wears his cap.
- Ese viejito es muy tierno.That little old man is very sweet.
- Mi abuelo es un viejito muy divertido.My grandfather is a very funny little old man.
- El viejito del parque siempre saluda.The little old man from the park always says hello.
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are looking at a photo of a neighbor.
- Javier¿Quién es ese viejito de la foto?Who is that little old man in the photo?
- SofíaEs el vecino de la esquina, es muy amable.It is the neighbor from the corner, he is very kind.
- JavierSe ve como un viejito muy simpático.He looks like a very friendly little old man.
- SofíaSí, Javier, siempre tiene una sonrisa.Yes, Javier, he always has a smile.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries viejito, CC BY-SA 4.0.
