Spanish Conversation · Level 112
60 words
Spanish word
anciano
Pronunciation
IPA/anˈθjano/
Meaning
- masculine nounold man
Example
En el parque vi a un anciano sentado en un banco.
In the park I saw an old man sitting on a bench.
More examples
En la residencia había varios ancianos que jugaban a las cartas.
In the old people's home there were several elderly people playing cards.
Core concept
An older man described in a neutral or official context.
Common phrases
residencia de ancianos
old people's home
anciano con bastón
elderly man with a cane
el anciano del barrio
the old man in the neighborhood
Similar words
persona mayor: An older person who is described politely to show everyday respect.
adulto mayor: An older adult who is referred to in dignified, formal terms to convey respect.
persona de edad avanzada: An older person who is spoken about in gentle, indirect language.
tercera edad: The later-life age group that comprises older adults.
Definition in Spanish
Se usa para referirse a una persona mayor; término neutral que puede aparecer en medios y textos oficiales.
Word origin
The word comes from Late Latin ancianus, formed from Latin ante 'before' plus a Romance adjectival suffix, and it denotes an older person in Spanish.
Usage tips
- It is normally used descriptively rather than to address someone directly, where speakers prefer señor, señora, or persona mayor to sound more respectful.
Other meanings
- old personnoun
- eldernoun
Opposites
- jovenyoung personnoun
Related words
- ancianatoretirement homenoun