Inklingo
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antiguas

/an-TEE-gwas/

old

A pair of worn-out, scuffed brown leather boots sitting on a stone floor, showing clear signs of age and use.

Antiguas refers to things that are 'old' in terms of age, like these well-loved boots.

antiguas(adjective)

fA1

old

?

referring to age

,

ancient

?

referring to historical objects or places

Also:

antique

?

referring to collectible items

📝 In Action

Las monedas que encontraron son muy antiguas.

A2

The coins they found are very old (ancient).

Me encanta visitar ciudades con murallas antiguas.

B1

I love visiting cities with ancient walls.

Estas son recetas de mi abuela, son las más antiguas de la familia.

A1

These are my grandmother's recipes; they are the oldest in the family.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • viejas (old)
  • ancestrales (ancestral)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • civilizaciones antiguas – ancient civilizations
  • tradiciones antiguas – old traditions

💡 Grammar Points

Adjective Agreement

Since 'antiguas' ends in '-as', it must describe things that are feminine and plural (like 'casas' or 'culturas').

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using 'antiguas' for people

Mistake: "Using 'antiguas' to mean 'old ladies' (Las mujeres antiguas)."

Correction: While technically correct, 'viejas' is usually preferred for people's age. 'Antiguas' works best for objects, ideas, or places.

⭐ Usage Tips

Placement Tip

When describing age, 'antiguas' usually goes after the noun (e.g., 'esculturas antiguas').

Two large, ornate, tarnished brass keys hanging unused on a wooden peg, representing former responsibilities or positions.

Antiguas can mean 'former,' describing things related to a previous role or position.

antiguas(adjective)

fB1

former

?

referring to a previous role

,

previous

?

referring to a past period or job

Also:

ex-

?

in the sense of 'ex-friends' or 'ex-colleagues'

📝 In Action

Ellas eran mis antiguas compañeras de trabajo.

B1

They were my former/previous colleagues.

Las antiguas oficinas estaban en el centro de la ciudad.

B1

The former offices were in the city center.

A veces me encuentro con mis antiguas amigas de la escuela.

B2

Sometimes I run into my old/former school friends.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • previas (previous)
  • ex (ex)

Antonyms

  • actuales (current)
  • nuevas (new)

Common Collocations

  • antiguas alumnas – former students (f)
  • antiguas creencias – previous beliefs

💡 Grammar Points

Placement Changes Meaning

When 'antiguas' is placed before the noun (e.g., 'antiguas amigas'), it means 'former' or 'previous.' When placed after the noun (e.g., 'amigas antiguas'), it emphasizes their old age.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing Placement

Mistake: "Saying 'las casas antiguas' when you mean 'the former houses.'"

Correction: To mean 'former,' place the adjective first: 'las antiguas casas.' 'Las casas antiguas' means 'the old, aged houses.'

⭐ Usage Tips

Relationship Status

Use 'antiguas' to refer to past relationships, jobs, or residences. It implies a change has occurred.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: antiguas

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'antiguas' to mean 'former'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

antiguo(old, ancient (masculine singular)) - adjective
antigüedad(antiquity, age) - noun
antiguamente(formerly, in ancient times) - adverb

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'antiguas' and 'viejas'?

'Antiguas' refers to something being ancient, classic, or former (like an ancient city or a former job). 'Viejas' refers generally to something being old or worn out, and can sometimes be seen as slightly rude when describing people.

Why does 'antiguas' have an 's' at the end?

The '-as' ending shows that the word is describing more than one thing (plural) and that those things are feminine (like 'casas' or 'culturas').