ancianos
/ahn-SYAH-nohs/
elderly people
As a noun, 'ancianos' refers to elderly people as a collective group.
ancianos(noun)
elderly people
?as a collective group
,elders
?respectful term
old men
?specific gender reference
📝 In Action
Los ancianos de la comunidad merecen nuestro respeto.
A1The elderly people of the community deserve our respect.
Hay un centro especial para los ancianos en el barrio.
A2There is a special center for elders in the neighborhood.
💡 Grammar Points
Masculine Plural
Even when referring to a mixed group of older men and women, the masculine plural form ('ancianos') is traditionally used in Spanish.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Viejos'
Mistake: "Usar 'viejos' para referirse a la gente mayor."
Correction: Use 'ancianos' or 'mayores'. 'Viejos' (old ones) can sometimes sound rude or disrespectful, especially when speaking about people.
⭐ Usage Tips
Politeness and Respect
This word is generally preferred over the adjective 'viejo' (old) when referring to people, as it carries a sense of dignity and respect.
When used as an adjective, 'ancianos' describes something or someone as old.
ancianos(adjective)
old
?describing people or things
,elderly
?describing people
ancient
?describing very old customs or things (less common in plural form)
📝 In Action
Mis vecinos son ancianos y necesitan ayuda con el jardín.
A2My neighbors are elderly and need help with the garden.
Vimos dos robles ancianos en medio del bosque.
B1We saw two old/ancient oak trees in the middle of the forest.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Agreement
As an adjective, 'ancianos' must match the thing it describes in both number (plural) and gender (masculine). If the noun were feminine plural (e.g., 'mujeres'), the adjective would be 'ancianas'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting Plurality
Mistake: "Decir 'Ellos son anciano' (missing the final 's')."
Correction: Remember the 's' for plural: 'Ellos son ancianos' (They are old/elderly).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: ancianos
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'ancianos' as a descriptive word (adjective)?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'ancianos' the only way to say 'old people'?
No, you can also use 'mayores' (seniors/older ones), which is very respectful and common. 'Ancianos' is professional and widely accepted, but avoid using 'viejos' (old ones) as it can sometimes be considered offensive or harsh.
How do I say 'old women'?
If you are referring specifically to women, you would use the feminine plural form: 'ancianas'. If you are referring to a mixed group, the masculine plural 'ancianos' is traditionally used.