une vieille
feminine
The informal French for "an old lady" is une vieille. une petite vieille is softer and often affectionate. Wiktionary also lists vieillarde.
Meaning: informal: elderly woman (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | Note |
|---|---|
| une vieille | feminine |
| une petite vieille | |
| vieillarde |
une vieille can sound rude depending on tone. To be polite, say une vieille dame. Among friends ma vieille is a familiar way to address a woman of any age.
Which one should you use?
vieillarde is old-fashioned and can sound pejorative.
How do you pronounce it?
oon vyay
Did you know?
- ma vieille and mon vieux are used between friends of any age, much like "old pal" in English.
Examples in context
- Bonjour, Madame. Permettez-moi de vous présenter cette dame âgée qui souhaite vous rencontrer.Hello, Madam. Allow me to introduce this elderly lady who wishes to meet you.
- La femme âgée assise là-bas est une artiste renommée.The aged woman sitting over there is a renowned artist.
- As-tu rencontré la vieille dame qui habite en haut de la rue? Elle est très gentille!Have you met the old lady who lives at the top of the street? She is very kind!
- Une petite vieille attendait le bus.A little old lady was waiting for the bus.
- Ça va, ma vieille ?How are you doing, old girl?
Example conversation
Two neighbours talk in the street.
- GabrielTu as vu la petite vieille du troisième ?Have you seen the little old lady on the third floor?
- ManonOui, elle promène son chien tous les matins.Yes, she walks her dog every morning.
- GabrielElle est vraiment adorable.She is really lovely.
- ManonEt toujours de bonne humeur !And always in a good mood!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “old lady” translations and entries vieillarde, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
