anziana
/anˈt͡sja.na/
The Italian phrase for 'old woman' is anziana.
anziana is used to refer to an elderly woman. You may also see the phrase donna anziana used to mean 'elderly woman' or 'senior lady'.
Meaning: elderly woman (noun)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
anziana is a respectful term. You should avoid using the word vecchia to describe a woman, as it can be perceived as rude, blunt or potentially offensive.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using anziana as a noun to mean 'an old woman', the feminine indefinite article una drops its vowel before the word, resulting in the form un'anziana.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable. The IPA is /anˈtsja.na/.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using vecchia to describe a woman if you wish to remain polite, as it is considered informal and potentially offensive. Instead, use anziana.
Did you know?
- In Italian culture, calling an elderly woman nonna (grandmother) even if she is not a relative is a common way to show warmth and respect.
- Italian law and administration often use the term terza età (third age) instead of anziana to describe the stage of life after retirement.
- In some Italian dialects, referring to a woman as la vecchia can be a playful or coded way to refer to one's own wife.
Examples in context
- È la voce di un'anziana.It's the voice of an old woman.This sentence is useful for identifying the voice of an anziana.Tatoeba #1125700 by Guybrush88, translation #1125171 by Scott
- La donna anziana è morta.The old woman is dead.This sentence describes a situation involving a donna anziana.Tatoeba #13301022 by Guybrush88, translation #11730023 by Amastan
- Mary è una donna anziana.Mary is an old woman.This sentence is useful for stating that Mary is an anziana.Tatoeba #13301077 by Guybrush88, translation #9182933 by CK
- Mia nonna è una donna anziana molto forte.My grandmother is a very strong elderly woman.
- Hai visto quella vecchia sulla piazza?Did you see that old woman in the square?
- 27 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofia and Matteo are watching people in a park.
- SofiaQuell'anziana sta leggendo un libro.That elderly woman is reading a book.
- MatteoSì, sembra molto tranquilla.Yes, she seems very peaceful.
- SofiaÈ una signora molto elegante.She is a very elegant lady.
- MatteoHai ragione, Sofia.You are right, Sofia.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry anziana, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
