How to Say “Old Guy” in Spanish

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viejo
/ˈbjexo/
The English phrase 'old guy' is translated into Spanish as viejo.
viejo is an informal term used to refer to a man who is advanced in age. It also serves as the standard adjective for 'old' when describing inanimate objects. In many Spanish-speaking regions, the phrase mi viejo is used colloquially to mean 'my old man' or 'my dad'.

Which one should you use?

While viejo is used to mean 'old guy', it is also the standard adjective for 'old' when describing inanimate objects. For a more respectful or polite tone when referring to an elderly man, use anciano.

Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?

viejo is an informal way to refer to an older man. If you need to be more polite or formal, you can use hombre mayor (older man), señor mayor (older gentleman) or caballero de edad avanzada (gentleman of advanced age). For an endearing, playful or more affectionate informal tone, you can use viejito.

Is it said differently in some regions?

In Mexico, viejo is used colloquially to refer to an old man. In Spain, the term anciano can be used to refer to an older man.

How does it change in a sentence?

The masculine form viejo refers to a man, while the feminine form vieja is used to refer to an old woman.

How do you pronounce it?

/ˈbjexo/

Did you know?

  • The word viejo shares a distant linguistic root with the English word 'wet' through the Proto-Indo-European root *wet-.
  • In certain Spanish-speaking dialects, calling someone viejo can function more like a friendly 'dude' or 'mate' than a literal comment on their age.
  • While viejo is common in Mexico, using the same word for an elderly person in Spain can sometimes come across as much more blunt or impolite.

Examples in context

  • Buenos días, señor mayor
    Good morning, older gentleman.
  • Ese viejo vive solo.
    That old guy lives alone.
  • El viejo sabe mucho de historia.
    The old guy knows a lot about history.
  • No te metas con el viejo.
    Don't mess with the old guy.

Example conversation

María and Daniel are walking past a neighbor's house.

  1. María

    ¿Quién es ese viejo que vive allí?
    Who is that old guy who lives there?
  2. Daniel

    Es el señor López, el antiguo cartero.
    That is Mr. López, the former mailman.
  3. María

    Parece un viejo muy tranquilo.
    He seems like a very quiet old guy.
  4. Daniel

    Sí, siempre está leyendo en su jardín.
    Yes, he is always reading in his garden.

Sources

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Agnes Daisy
Agnes DaisyHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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