anziano
/anˈt͡sja.no/
The English phrase "senior citizen" is translated into Italian as anziano.
anziano is used to refer to an old person. Using the phrase persona anziana (elderly person) is often considered more polite and respectful than using anziano as a standalone noun.
Meaning: old person (noun)
Which one should you use?
Anziano is a respectful way to refer to an elderly person, whereas vecchio can sound blunt or even rude depending on the context.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Anziano or its plural Anziani is the formal equivalent of "senior citizen". Persona di Terza Età translates to "person of the third age" and is used in formal contexts to refer to senior citizens.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word changes its ending to anziana when referring to a female senior citizen. The plural form for a group of senior citizens is anziani, but if the group consists only of women, use anziane.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables and the stress is on the 2nd syllable: /anˈtsja.no/.
Did you know?
- In some parts of Italy, particularly in the South, addressing a senior citizen as nonno or nonna (grandfather/grandmother) is a common sign of affection and respect, even if there is no biological relation.
- The word anziano shares its roots with the English word 'ancient', as both stem from the concept of being 'before' or 'earlier' in time.
- While anziano refers to age, it can also be used in a professional context to describe a 'senior' member of a staff or a long-serving employee.
Examples in context
- Ha lasciato il posto dov'era seduta a un signore anziano.She gave her seat to a senior citizen.This sentence shows how to use anziano when referring to a senior citizen.Tatoeba #711320 by Heracleum, translation #388468 by CK
- Gli anziani sono rispettabili membri della societàThe senior citizens are respected members of society
- Le persone di terza età meritano rispettoSenior citizens deserve respect
- L'anziano cammina lentamente nel parco.The senior citizen walks slowly in the park.
- È un anziano molto gentile.He is a very kind senior citizen.
Example conversation
Giulia and Alessandro are walking in a park.
- GiuliaGuarda quel signore anziano che legge il giornale.Look at that old man reading the newspaper.
- AlessandroSì, sembra molto tranquillo.Yes, he seems very peaceful.
- GiuliaVorrei essere un anziano sereno come lui.I would like to be a serene senior citizen like him.
- AlessandroÈ un bellissimo obiettivo, Giulia.That is a beautiful goal, Giulia.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry anziano, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries anziano, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
