edad
/e-dad/
age
The primary meaning of edad is 'age,' referring to the duration of a person's life.
📝 In Action
¿Qué edad tienes?
A1How old are you?
Mi abuela tiene noventa años de edad.
A2My grandmother is ninety years of age.
La edad mínima para votar es dieciocho años.
B1The minimum age to vote is eighteen.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'Tener' for Age
In Spanish, you 'have' an age, you don't 'are' an age. Always use the verb 'tener' (to have), not 'ser' or 'estar'. For example, 'Tengo 30 años' means 'I am 30 years old'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Ser' Instead of 'Tener'
Mistake: "Soy veinte años."
Correction: Tengo veinte años. Remember, in Spanish, you possess your years!
⭐ Usage Tips
Asking Someone's Age
The most common and polite way to ask an adult's age is '¿Qué edad tienes?' (for someone you call 'tú') or '¿Qué edad tiene?' (for someone you call 'usted').
In a historical context, edad means 'age' or 'era,' referring to a long period of time, such as La Edad Media (The Middle Ages).
edad(Noun)
age
?a historical period, like 'the Stone Age'
,era
?a historical period
period
?a span of time
📝 In Action
La Edad Media fue una época fascinante.
B1The Middle Ages was a fascinating era.
Vivimos en la edad de la información.
B2We live in the information age.
La Edad de Piedra es el período más antiguo de la prehistoria.
B2The Stone Age is the oldest period of prehistory.
⭐ Usage Tips
Capitalization
When 'edad' refers to a specific historical period like 'la Edad Media' (the Middle Ages), it's usually capitalized, just like in English.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: edad
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly says 'I am 25 years old' in Spanish?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do Spanish speakers use 'tener' for age instead of 'ser' like in English 'I am'?
It's a great question! It's just a different way of thinking about age. In English, age is a state of being ('I am...'), while in Spanish, it's something you have accumulated over time ('I have... years'). Think of it like a collection of birthdays you possess!
Is 'edad' always a feminine word?
Yes, 'edad' is always feminine, which means you'll always use feminine words like 'la' or 'una' with it (e.g., 'la edad', 'una buena edad'). This is true even when talking about a man's age.