anciana
/anˈθjana/
The Spanish phrase for old lady is anciana.
The term anciana is used to refer to an elderly woman.
Meaning: informal: elderly woman (noun)
Which one should you use?
While anciana is a respectful way to refer to an elderly woman, using the word vieja can be perceived as rude or derogatory depending on the context.
How do you pronounce it?
/anˈθjana/
Did you know?
- Depending on the country, vieja can be used as a slang term for a 'girlfriend' or 'wife' without any reference to her actual age.
- The term anciana is derived from the Latin antiquus, which is also the root of the English word 'antique'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, an elderly woman might be addressed as abuelita (little grandmother) even if she is not a relative, as a term of endearment and respect.
Examples in context
- Él le robó a una anciana.He robbed an old lady.This sentence demonstrates the use of anciana in a sentence about a robbery.Tatoeba #964476 by hayastan, translation #289497 by CK
- Aceptó ayudar a la anciana.He consented to help the old lady.This sentence shows the use of anciana regarding the act of helping.Tatoeba #995736 by Shishir, translation #291386 by CK
- Dijeron que yo era una anciana.They said that I am an old lady.This sentence illustrates the use of anciana when someone is being described.Tatoeba #5153413 by cueyayotl, translation #5068058 by languagesandcoffee
- La mujer mayor que vive al final de la calle es muy amable.The old lady who lives at the end of the street is very kind.
- La anciana en la tienda de comestibles siempre me sonríe.The old lady at the grocery store always smiles at me.
- ¡La vieja del parque tiene historias interesantes para contar!The old lady in the park has interesting stories to tell!
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are walking in a park.
- AlejandroMira a esa anciana sentada en el banco.Look at that old lady sitting on the bench.
- MaríaParece que está esperando a alguien.It looks like she is waiting for someone.
- AlejandroCreo que la anciana tiene un mapa.I think the old lady has a map.
- MaríaVamos a preguntarle si necesita ayuda.Let's ask her if she needs help.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry anciana, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
