Ways to say it
| Arabic | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| كَبِير اَلسِّنّ | kabīr as-sinn | ||
| مُسِنّ | musinn | ||
| عجوز | ʕagōz | /ʕa.d͡ʒuːz/ /ʕu.d͡ʒuːz/ |
Egyptian Arabic, masculine |
| كَبير | kabīr | Hijazi Arabic | |
| شايب | šāyib | Hijazi Arabic, masculine | |
| كبير | kbīr | /ka.biːr/ /kbiːr/ |
South Levantine Arabic |
These terms are used to describe a living being that has lived for many years. Depending on the word chosen, the tone can range from highly respectful to blunt.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase كَبِير اَلسِّنّ literally means 'big of the age'.
Which one should you use?
While كَبِير اَلسِّنّ is a polite and respectful way to describe an elderly person, the word عجوز can sometimes sound blunt or even slightly derogatory depending on the context.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Hijazi-Arabic, كَبير is used. The term شايب is also used in Hijazi-Arabic to refer to an old man, often implying white hair. In South-Levantine-Arabic, the form كبير is used. In Egyptian-Arabic, the masculine form عجوز is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word مُسِنّ is a formal adjective in Modern Standard Arabic. The word عجوز can function as both an adjective and a noun meaning 'an old person'.
How do you pronounce it?
kabīr as-sinn
Did you know?
- The word عجوز comes from a root meaning 'to be weak' or 'to be unable', linking the concept of old age directly to a loss of physical strength.
- In many Arabic cultures, using the term كبير is not just about age, but can also signal that a person holds a higher social or familial rank.
- The formal term مُسِنّ is often reserved for medical or official contexts, such as in a hospital or a census, rather than in daily conversation.
Examples in context
- غنت لي امراة عجوز.An old lady sang to me.This sentence shows the use of عجوز to describe an old lady.Tatoeba #5027637 by damascene, translation #1358636 by CK
- صادفت سيدة كبيرة السن.I met an old woman.This sentence shows the use of كبير to describe an old woman.Tatoeba #407037 by saeb, translation #256070 by CK
- يتكلّم و كأنّه رجل عجوز.He talks as if he were an old man.This sentence shows the use of عجوز to describe an old man.Tatoeba #2606082 by Amastan, translation #292981 by CK
- الأستاذة نورة كبيرة في السن.Ms. Nora is old.
- والدي مسن ويحتاج إلى رعاية.My father is elderly and needs care.
- هذا الشيخ معروف بحكمة السنين.This old man is known for his wisdom.
- 17 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Omar and Sarah are talking about their grandfather at home.
- عمر Omarهل جدي كَبِير اَلسِّنّ حقاً؟Hal jaddi kabīr as-sinna haqqan?Is my grandfather really old?
- سارة Saraنعم، هو كَبِير اَلسِّنّ جداً.Na'am, huwa kabīr as-sinna jiddan.Yes, he is very old.
- عمر Omarيجب أن نهتم به.Yajibu an nahtamma bihi.We must take care of him.
- سارة Saraبالتأكيد، هو يحتاج إلينا.Bi-ta'kīd, huwa yahtāju ilaynā.Certainly, he needs us.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “old” translations and entries عجوز, كبير, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries عجوز, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
