Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| vieil homme | masculine | |
| vieillard | /vjɛ.jaʁ/ /vje.jaʁ/ |
masculine |
| vieux | /vjø/ | masculine |
| vieux monsieur | masculine |
These terms are used to describe an elderly male. Depending on the context, you may use a single noun like vieillard or a descriptive phrase like vieil homme.
Which one should you use?
Vieillard is a formal or literary noun specifically used for a person of very advanced age. In contrast, vieil homme is a more common, descriptive phrase. While vieux can sometimes mean 'old man' in very informal or colloquial settings, it is primarily the adjective 'old' and usually needs a noun to identify a person in standard speech. Vieux monsieur is used when you wish to refer to an 'old gentleman'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Vieillard is a formal term. Vieux monsieur is a polite and respectful way to refer to an elderly man. In very informal or colloquial contexts, one might use vieux, though it is primarily an adjective.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form vieil homme is used instead of vieux homme because vieil is the special masculine singular form of vieux used before a noun starting with a vowel or a silent h.
Did you know?
- The word homme actually traces back to a Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'earthling'.
- The word vieillard uses the suffix -ard, which in modern French is often used to create derogatory terms for people.
- The French word vieux is a cousin of the English word 'vetust', which is a rare term for something ancient.
Examples in context
- Tom est un vieillard.Tom is an old man.This sentence illustrates the use of vieillard to identify a person.Tatoeba #5371008 by pititnatole, translation #3734758 by CK
- Je suis un vieil homme.I'm an old man.This sentence shows how to use vieil homme to describe oneself.Tatoeba #1306722 by sacredceltic, translation #1306715 by CK
- Le vieil homme s'assit.The old man sat down.This sentence demonstrates how to use vieil homme as a subject in a sentence.Tatoeba #5741013 by Yemana, translation #43375 by CK
- Viens ici, pépé!Come here, grandpa!
- 173 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Chloé are walking through a park.
- LucasRegarde ce vieil homme sur le banc.Look at that old man on the bench.
- ChloéIl a l'air très calme.He looks very calm.
- LucasOui, il semble heureux.Yes, he seems happy.
- ChloéC'est agréable à voir.It's nice to see.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “old man” translations and entries vieillard, vieux, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries homme, monsieur, vieil, vieillard, vieux, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
