vecchiaia
/vekˈkja.ja/feminine
The Italian phrase for "old age" is vecchiaia.
vecchiaia is a noun used to refer to the latter part of a person's life.
Meaning: latter part of life (noun)
Which one should you use?
While vecchiaia is the noun for the period of old age, vecchio (masculine) or vecchia (feminine) are the adjectives used to describe an old person or object.
How does it change in a sentence?
vecchiaia is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable. The IPA is /vekˈkja.ja/.
Did you know?
- The Italian language distinguishes between vecchio for something old and antico for something ancient or vintage, meaning a 'vecchio' book is worn out while an 'antico' book is a collectible.
- In Italy, the phrase terza età (third age) is often used as a polite and positive alternative to vecchiaia, framing this stage of life as a new period of activity and leisure.
- While vecchiaia refers to the stage of life, the Italian word nonno or nonna (grandfather or grandmother) is often used affectionately for any elderly person, even if they are not a relative.
Examples in context
- È morto di vecchiaia.He died of old age.This sentence shows how to use vecchiaia when discussing a cause of death.Tatoeba #12566161 by Guybrush88, translation #12516764 by ddnktr
- La vecchiaia mi spaventa.Old age scares me.This sentence uses vecchiaia to express a personal feeling about the period of life.Tatoeba #13873238 by Nuel, translation #13873237 by Nuel
- Vorrei morire di vecchiaia.I'd like to die of old age.This sentence uses vecchiaia to express a personal wish regarding the manner of death.Tatoeba #3318290 by Guybrush88, translation #1936502 by CK
- Giovanni ha iniziato a lavorare nell'azienda quando era in età avanzata.Giovanni started working at the company when he was in old age.
- Siamo diventati amici nella terza età e scopriamo tante cose insieme.We became friends in old age and discover many things together.
- 30 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofia and Lorenzo are talking about their grandparents.
- SofiaI miei nonni accettano con serenità la vecchiaia.My grandparents accept old age with serenity.
- LorenzoÈ bello vederli così felici e in salute.It is lovely to see them so happy and healthy.
- SofiaSì, dicono che la vecchiaia sia un dono.Yes, they say that old age is a gift.
- LorenzoSpero di essere come loro un giorno.I hope to be like them one day.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “old age” translations and entries vecchiaia, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
