What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of personnes (persons/people) and âgées (aged/old).
Which one should you use?
While les vieux literally means 'the old ones', it can sound blunt or disrespectful compared to the more polite personnes âgées. In modern, everyday French, particularly in marketing or social contexts, the anglicism les seniors is frequently used as a shorter alternative.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term Les personnes âgées is a formal and respectful way to refer to senior citizens and translates to 'elderly people'. For a formal context, you may also use Les aînés (elders) or Les retraités (retired individuals).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In France, the term Les personnes du troisième âge (people of the third age) is commonly used to refer to senior citizens.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase is feminine and must agree in gender and number. The singular form is personne âgée.
Did you know?
- The word personne in personnes âgées is always feminine, even when referring to a group of elderly men.
- The expression le troisième âge refers to the 'third age' of life, a concept that distinguishes the period of retirement from the 'second age' of working adulthood and the 'first age' of childhood.
- In certain parts of the French-speaking world, such as Quebec, the term les aînés is the standard, respectful way to refer to seniors, whereas in France, it can sometimes sound more poetic or ceremonial.
Examples in context
- On doit respecter les personnes âgées.You must respect senior citizens.This sentence demonstrates how to use personnes âgées when expressing the need to show respect.Tatoeba #1293446 by sacredceltic, translation #1293129 by CK
- Il est important de prendre soin de nos aînés.It is important to take care of our elders.
- Beaucoup de retraités bénévoles offrent leur temps pour des causes humanitaires.Many retired volunteers offer their time for humanitarian causes.
- Les vieux du village se réunissent tous les jours pour jouer aux cartes.The old folks from the village gather every day to play cards.
- Les aînés du quartier connaissent tous les secrets de la région.The elders of the neighborhood know all the secrets of the region.
- Les personnes du troisième âge bénéficient d'avantages sociaux supplémentaires.People of the third age enjoy additional social benefits.
- Ce parc est très apprécié des personnes âgées.This park is very popular with senior citizens.
- Il y a de nombreuses réductions pour les personnes âgées.There are many discounts for senior citizens.
Example conversation
Emma and Gabriel are discussing a new community project.
- EmmaOn devrait aider les personnes âgées du village.We should help the senior citizens of the village.
- GabrielC'est une excellente idée, Emma.That is an excellent idea, Emma.
- EmmaOn peut organiser des visites à domicile.We can organize home visits.
- GabrielJe suis d'accord, je vais m'en occuper.I agree, I will take care of it.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
