adulto mayor
polite, Mexico
In Mexico the polite word for an older person is adulto mayor, plural adultos mayores. The more formal phrase is persona de la tercera edad.
Meaning: older adult (noun)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| adulto mayor | polite, Mexico |
| persona de la tercera edad | formal |
These phrases appear on signs, in public offices and at the bus stop, as in asiento para adultos mayores. People say them to be respectful.
Which one should you use?
The word anciano means an old person too, but many speakers find it less polite than adulto mayor.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In job titles Mexicans simply use the English word, as in gerente senior, meaning a more experienced employee.
Did you know?
- The Mexican government agency for older people has adultos mayores in its name, and the term appears on many official cards.
Examples in context
- Este asiento es para adultos mayores.This seat is for seniors.
- Hay descuento para personas de la tercera edad.There is a discount for senior citizens.
- Trabaja como analista senior.He works as a senior analyst.
Example conversation
Mrs. Lupe gets on a bus in Guadalajara and the driver speaks with her.
- ChoferSeñora, hay un asiento para adultos mayores.Ma'am, there is a seat for seniors.
- LupeGracias, joven.Thank you, young man.
- ChoferCon cuidado al sentarse.Careful when you sit down.
