Which one should you use?
While anciano is a respectful and formal way to say old man, the word viejo can sometimes sound blunt or even disrespectful depending on the context.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For polite conversation, you can use the phrase señor mayor to refer to an elderly gentleman. If you wish to address a man directly and respectfully, use Señor (sir/gentleman) or the title Don before his first name to show esteem for an older man. Conversely, viejo is an informal term and vejestorio is a colloquial, lighthearted way to say old fogey or old geezer.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions of Spain, anciano is commonly used for an elderly man. In Mexico, the term viejito is used informally to refer to older men to imply affection or respect. In Argentina, Viejo is a common informal term used to address an older man.
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form of anciano is anciana (old woman). The plural form ancianos can refer specifically to a group of old men or to a mixed-gender group of elderly people.
How do you pronounce it?
/anˈθjano/
When do people say it?
Using a title like Don before a first name or using Señor are standard ways to show respect to an esteemed gentleman.
Did you know?
- The word anciano shares its roots with the Latin word for 'before', specifically from *anteānus, which relates to the idea of someone who has gone before.
- The title Don is used to show respect to an older man and is traditionally paired with the person's first name rather than their surname.
- The distinction between anciano and viejo is not just about age but about the perceived dignity and social status of the man.
Examples in context
- El anciano se sentó.The old man sat down.This sentence demonstrates the use of anciano to describe a subject performing an action.Tatoeba #2452895 by Shishir, translation #43375 by CK
- Se acercó un anciano.An old man came along.This sentence shows how anciano can be used to describe someone approaching.Tatoeba #1322687 by Shishir, translation #27620 by CM
- Él es un anciano alegre.He is a cheerful old man.This sentence illustrates how to use anciano to describe a person's temperament.Tatoeba #1342654 by Shishir, translation #68091 by CK
- Ese viejito siempre cuenta las mejores historias.That old man always tells the best stories.
- 104 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Mateo are walking in a park.
- MateoMira a ese anciano.Look at that elderly man.
- SofíaÉl camina con un bastón.He walks with a cane.
- MateoParece un anciano muy sabio.He looks like a very wise elderly man.
- SofíaEs verdad, Mateo.It's true, Mateo.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry anciano, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries anciano, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
