عجوز
ʕajūz/ʕa.d͡ʒuːz/
The Arabic word for old lady is عجوز (ʕajūz).
عجوز is used to refer to an elderly woman, though it is considered an informal term.
Meaning: informal: elderly woman (noun)
Which one should you use?
While عجوز is common and informal, امرأة مسنة is a more polite and respectful way to say 'elderly woman'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
عجوز is an informal term and can sometimes sound blunt or even slightly disrespectful depending on the context, similar to calling someone 'an old woman' in English. For a more formal and respectful way to refer to an old lady, use صَاحِبَةُ السِنِّ, which literally means 'woman of age'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain Levantine countries like Lebanon, Syria and Palestine, the term حَجَّة is sometimes used to address an older woman and is akin to saying 'ma'am' in English.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word عجوز is an adjective that can function as a noun to mean 'old woman'.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced as ʕajūz (/ʕa.dʒuːz/).
Did you know?
- The root of عجوز is linked to the concept of physical weakness or impotence, specifically the verb عَجَزَ which means 'to be weak' or 'to be unable'.
- In many Arabic dialects, addressing an older woman as حَجَّة is a way to show respect, even if she has never actually performed the Hajj pilgrimage.
- While عجوز is usually feminine, it can historically be used for both men and women. In some classical contexts, calling a man عجوز emphasizes his extreme age and frailty.
Examples in context
- غنت لي امراة عجوز.An old lady sang to me.This sentence demonstrates the use of عجوز to describe an old lady.Tatoeba #5027637 by damascene, translation #1358636 by CK
Example conversation
Ahmed and Noor are talking about a neighbor.
- أحمد Ahmedمن هذه السيدة يا نور؟Man hadhihi as-sayyida ya Noor?Who is this lady, Noor?
- نور Nourإنها عجوز تسكن في بنايتنا.Innaha 'ajuz taskun fi binayatina.She is an old lady who lives in our building.
- أحمد Ahmedهل هي لطيفة؟Hal hiya latifa?Is she kind?
- نور Nourنعم، هي طيبة القلب جداً.Na'am, hiya tayyibat al-qalb jiddan.Yes, she is very kind-hearted.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry عجوز, 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.
