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How to Say "antique" in Spanish

English → Spanish

antiguo

an-TEE-gwohanˈtiɣwo

adjectiveA1general
Use 'antiguo' when describing something as old in age, like a building, a tradition, or a concept, without necessarily implying it's a collectible item of value.
A high quality simple colorful storybook illustration of a dusty, very old wooden toy chest showing cracks and fading, symbolizing age.

Examples

Este castillo es muy antiguo, fue construido en el siglo XII.

This castle is very old; it was built in the 12th century.

Me encanta la música antigua, como el jazz de los años 20.

I love old music, like jazz from the 20s.

La civilización maya es una civilización antigua.

The Mayan civilization is an ancient civilization.

Making it Match

As an adjective, 'antiguo' must change its ending to match the person or thing it describes: 'antiguo' (masculine singular), 'antigua' (feminine singular), 'antiguos' (masculine plural), and 'antiguas' (feminine plural).

Antiguo vs. Viejo

Mistake: “Using 'antiguo' to describe people's age (e.g., 'Mi abuelo es muy antiguo').”

Correction: Use 'viejo' or, more politely, 'mayor' when describing the age of a person. 'Antiguo' is better for objects, places, or historical concepts.

antigüedad

nounB1general
Use 'antigüedad' to refer specifically to an old object that is considered valuable or collectible, like furniture, art, or jewelry from a past era.

Examples

Mi tía colecciona antigüedades chinas.

My aunt collects Chinese antiques.

reliquia

reh-LEE-kyahreˈlikja

nounA2general
Choose 'reliquia' for an old item that is not only old but also functional or highly prized, often as a sentimental keepsake or heirloom passed down through generations.
An ornate, antique golden locket being held gently by a hand, symbolizing a family treasure.

Examples

Este reloj es una reliquia de mi abuelo.

This watch is an heirloom from my grandfather.

Ese coche viejo es una verdadera reliquia; ¡todavía funciona!

That old car is a real antique; it still works!

Guardo sus cartas como si fueran una reliquia.

I keep his letters as if they were a treasure.

Always Feminine

Even if the object you are describing is masculine (like 'el reloj' or 'el coche'), you still use the feminine word 'una reliquia' to describe it.

Describing Objects vs. People

When you call an object a 'reliquia', it is usually a compliment meaning it is well-preserved. If you call a person a 'reliquia', it can be a bit cheeky or rude, implying they are very old-fashioned.

Gender Matching

Mistake: “Ese libro es un reliquia.”

Correction: Ese libro es una reliquia. (Always use 'una' because 'reliquia' is a feminine word, regardless of the object it describes.)

Antiguo vs. Antigüedad

The most common mistake is using 'antiguo' (adjective) when you mean a valuable old object, for which you should use 'antigüedad' (noun). Remember, 'antiguo' describes age, while 'antigüedad' refers to the object itself as a collectible.

Related Translations

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