Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| viejo | /ˈbjexo/ | |
| provecto | /pɾoˈbeɡto/ | |
| añejo | /aˈɲexo/ | colloquial |
| longevo | /lonˈxebo/ | |
| vejuco (despective) |
When describing a living being as having lived for relatively many years, you can use various terms depending on the nuance you wish to convey. The most direct translation for 'old' is viejo, which can describe a person, an object or even an idea.
Which one should you use?
While viejo is the general term for old, longevo is used specifically to emphasize that a person or animal has lived for a very long time (long-lived).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The word añejo is a colloquial way to say old. To refer to someone in an endearing or affectionate manner, you can use the informal diminutive forms viejito or viejita. The terms anciano or anciana are specifically used to refer to older people, as is the word mayor to convey that someone is older.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina and some other Latin American countries, the phrase tercera edad is commonly used to refer to older adults.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective viejo must agree in gender and number with the subject it describes. Use vieja for feminine subjects and viejos for masculine plural or mixed-gender groups.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈbjexo/.
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, calling your father mi viejo is a common and loving way to say 'my old man' without any negative connotation.
- The word añejo comes from a Latin term meaning 'one-year-old', which originally described something only a year old.
- While viejo is a standard term, using vejuco to describe a person is a disparaging way to call them an 'old codger'.
Examples in context
- Él es muy viejo.He is too old.This sentence is useful for describing someone who is too old.Tatoeba #1266999 by hayastan, translation #302339 by CH
- Tom es muy viejo.Tom is very old.This sentence is useful for describing someone who is very old.Tatoeba #1284308 by marcelostockle, translation #1024762 by CK
- Vos no sos viejo.You're not old.This sentence is useful for stating that someone is not old.Tatoeba #4793894 by DarkHollow, translation #2218276 by CK
- La abuela de mi amigo es muy vieja pero lúcida.My friend's grandmother is very old but lucid.
- El edificio tiene una arquitectura vieja pero hermosa.The building has an old but beautiful architecture.
- Los ancianos son muy respetados en nuestra cultura.Elderly people are highly respected in our culture.
- Mi abuela es una mujer anciana, pero alegre.My grandmother is an old but cheerful woman.
- El director de la empresa es una persona mayor.The director of the company is an older person.
- Las personas de mayor edad merecen nuestro respeto.Elderly people deserve our respect.
- María ya es una mujer mayor, pero sigue siendo muy activa.María is already an older woman, but she remains very active.
- Los beneficios para la tercera edad son muy importantes para garantizar una buena calidad de vida.Benefits for older adults are crucial to ensuring a good quality of life.
- Mis abuelos disfrutan mucho de los programas de la tercera edad.My grandparents really enjoy senior citizen programs.
- 455 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and María are looking at a photo of Daniel's grandfather.
- DanielMira este perro, es muy viejo.Look at this dog, he is very old.
- MaríaSí, pero se ve muy feliz.Yes, but he looks very happy.
- DanielMi abuelo dice que es viejo y sabio.My grandfather says he is old and wise.
- MaríaTienes razón, Daniel.You are right, Daniel.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “old” translations and entries viejo, provecto, añejo, longevo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries añejo, longevo, provecto, viejo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
