Inklingo

How to Say "old woman" in Spanish

English → Spanish

anciana

ahn-SYAH-nah/anˈsjana/

nounA2formal
Use 'anciana' when you want to refer to an elderly woman in a respectful and formal way, emphasizing her advanced age.
A portrait of a kind-looking elderly woman with gray hair and glasses, sitting peacefully and knitting a colorful scarf.

Examples

La anciana cruzó la calle con ayuda de su nieto.

The old woman crossed the street with the help of her grandson.

Mi vecina es una anciana muy sabia que siempre da buenos consejos.

My neighbor is a very wise elderly woman who always gives good advice.

Los residentes del hogar de ancianas salieron al jardín.

The residents of the retirement home (home for elderly women) went out to the garden.

Feminine Form

This is the feminine form. If you are talking about an old man, you would use 'anciano' (masculine).

Using 'Vieja'

Mistake: “Llamar a una mujer 'vieja'.”

Correction: Use 'anciana' or 'mujer mayor'. 'Vieja' is technically correct but is often considered rude or disrespectful, especially when speaking to or about someone.

vieja

/BYEH-hah//'bjexa/

nounA2informal/neutral
Use 'vieja' when referring to an older woman in a neutral or informal context. Be aware it can sometimes sound disrespectful depending on tone and situation.
An illustration of a kind elderly woman with silver hair, wearing glasses, sitting on a bench.

Examples

Una vieja simpática me ofreció su asiento en el autobús.

A nice old woman offered me her seat on the bus.

En el parque siempre hay un grupo de viejas charlando.

In the park, there's always a group of old ladies chatting.

Choosing Between 'Anciana' and 'Vieja'

Learners often confuse 'anciana' and 'vieja' because both mean 'old woman.' The key difference lies in register: 'anciana' is always polite and formal, while 'vieja' can be neutral but also carry a disrespectful tone if used improperly.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.