veterano
/beteˈɾano/masculine
The English phrase 'veteran' is translated into Spanish as veterano.
veterano is the most commonly used and general term for 'veteran' in Spanish. It can refer to an old soldier or someone who has long experience in a particular field.
Meaning: old soldier (noun)
Which one should you use?
While veterano can mean an experienced person in any field, retirado is the more specific term used to denote a person who has officially retired from the military. Additionally, if you wish to specifically refer to a veteran who has participated in combat or war, the term excombatiente is used.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, the term excombatiente may be used more frequently.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is gender-variable. Use veterana when referring to a female veteran. The plural form of the masculine noun is veteranos.
How do you pronounce it?
/beteˈɾano/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word veterano shares its root with veterinario, as both derive from the Latin word for 'old'.
- In some Spanish-speaking contexts, calling someone a veterano in a professional setting can be a subtle way of calling them 'old-fashioned' rather than just 'experienced'.
- In Argentina, excombatiente is the preferred term for those who served in the Falklands War, as it emphasizes their role in the conflict over their rank.
Examples in context
- Tom es un veterano.Tom is a veteran.This sentence is useful for identifying someone as a veteran.Tatoeba #1306096 by marcelostockle, translation #1025124 by CK
- El padre era un veterano de la Guerra de Corea.The father was a veteran of the Korean War.This sentence is useful for describing a veteran of a specific war.Tatoeba #1427507 by marcelostockle, translation #6211925 by CarpeLanam
- Mi tío es un veterano de la Guerra de Vietnam.My uncle is a veteran of the Vietnam War.Tatoeba #871249 by washisnein, translation #251175 by CK
- Mi abuelo es un veterano de guerraMy grandfather is a war veteran
- Los excombatientes serán homenajeados en la ceremoniaThe veterans will be honored at the ceremony
- Muchos exmilitares se dedican a ayudar a otros veteranosMany former military personnel dedicate themselves to helping other veterans
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are talking about a neighbor in the park.
- DanielEse hombre es un veterano.That man is a veteran.
- Lucía¿Es un veterano de la marina?Is he a navy veteran?
- DanielSí, es un veterano muy respetado.Yes, he is a very respected veteran.
- LucíaQué bueno que lo cuiden así.It is good that they take care of him like that.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “veteran” translations and entries veterano, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
