a la antigua
/a la anˈtiɡwa/
The Spanish phrase for old fashioned is a la antigua.
The phrase a la antigua is used to describe something that follows styles from the past or is done in a traditional way. It can function as an adverbial phrase to describe how an action is performed, or as an adjective-like phrase to describe a style or manner.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of a (to/in), la (the) and antigua (old/ancient/ancient-style).
How does it change in a sentence?
When you want to describe a person's specific personality or mindset as being old-fashioned, it is frequent to use the idiomatic expression chapado a la antigua.
How do you pronounce it?
/a la anˈtiɡwa/
Did you know?
- The expression chapado a la antigua uses the word chapado, which literally means 'plated' or 'coated' in metal. It suggests the person is encased in an old-fashioned shell.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, being chapado a la antigua can be a high compliment, implying that a person possesses chivalry and manners that have been lost in the modern world.
- While a la antigua describes a style, Spanish speakers use the word viejo for things that are physically old or worn out. Using a la antigua suggests a deliberate choice of tradition rather than simple age.
Examples in context
- Le gusta vestir a la antigua.She likes to dress in an old-fashioned way.This sentence shows how to use a la antigua to describe a way of dressing.Tatoeba #2259141 by hayastan, translation #2259140 by _undertoad
- Ella lo hizo a la antigua usanza.She did it the old fashioned way.This sentence demonstrates using a la antigua to describe how a task was performed.Tatoeba #1869293 by Shishir, translation #1853789 by Spamster
- Estoy un poco chapado a la antigua, ya sabes.I'm a little old fashioned, you know.This sentence illustrates the informal expression chapado a la antigua when describing a person's mindset.Tatoeba #1890336 by teskmon, translation #430227 by witbrock
- esa película es muy anticuadaThat movie is very old fashioned
- ese peinado está completamente pasado de modaThat hairstyle is totally old fashioned
- esa tecnología está completamente obsoletaThat technology is completely old fashioned
- ¡No puedes usar eso, está pasado de moda!You can't wear that, it's old fashioned!
- mi abuelo es muy chapado a la antiguaMy grandfather is very old fashioned
- Ese tipo de música rápidamente pasa de modaThat kind of music quickly goes out of fashion
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are discussing how a local bakery makes its bread.
- ElenaEllos todavía hacen el pan a la antigua.They still make the bread the old-fashioned way.
- Alejandro¿De verdad? Me encanta ese estilo.Really? I love that style.
- ElenaEs un método muy tradicional.It is a very traditional method.
- AlejandroEso hace que el sabor sea mejor.That makes the flavor better.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry a la antigua, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
