Which one should you use?
While the word velho literally means 'old', using it to refer to a person can be perceived as much more blunt or disrespectful than the more polite idoso.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
idoso is a formal term. For even more formal or respectful ways to refer to a senior citizen in official or professional contexts, you can use the phrase pessoa idosa.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazil, legal rights and protections for senior citizens are codified in a law known as the Estatuto do Idoso.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word changes based on gender and number: idoso is the masculine singular form, idosa is the feminine singular form, idosos is the masculine plural form used for a group of men or a mixed group and idosas is the feminine plural form used for a group of women.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable. The IPA is /iˈdo.zu/.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using velho to refer to a person, as it can be perceived as disrespectful compared to idoso.
Did you know?
- While English uses 'senior' to denote both age and rank, Portuguese uses idoso strictly for age and sênior almost exclusively for professional hierarchy.
- Portuguese has a specific adjective, venerável, which is sometimes used instead of idoso to imply that the person's age brings a sacred or highly respected status.
- The word idoso is formed by combining the root for idade, meaning 'age', with the suffix -oso, which is used to create adjectives meaning 'full of'.
Examples in context
- O Sr. Silva é um idoso muito ativo na comunidade local.Mr. Silva is a very active senior citizen in the local community.
- A idosa precisa de assistência de enfermagem regularmente.The senior citizen needs regular nursing care.
- Aquele idoso está sentado no banco.That senior citizen is sitting on the bench.
- O idoso atravessou a rua com cuidado.The senior citizen crossed the street carefully.
Example conversation
Felipe and Camila are walking in a public park.
- FelipeVeja aquele idoso com o cachorro.Look at that senior citizen with the dog.
- CamilaEle parece ser muito simpático.He seems to be very friendly.
- FelipeSim, ele está caminhando devagar.Yes, he is walking slowly.
- CamilaÉ bom vê-lo aproveitar o dia.It is good to see him enjoying the day.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “senior citizen” translations and entries idoso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries idoso, CC BY-SA 4.0.
