Inklingo

How to Say "pensioner" in Spanish

English → Spanish

jubilado

hoo-bee-LAH-dohxuβiˈlaðo

nounA2
Use 'jubilado' when you specifically want to refer to a person who is receiving a retirement pension, as it's the most common and direct noun for this meaning.
An elderly person wearing a sun hat and holding a gardening trowel next to a vibrant flower bed.

Examples

Mi vecino es un jubilado muy activo.

My neighbor is a very active retiree.

Hay un descuento especial para jubilados.

There is a special discount for retirees.

El jubilado paseaba por el parque todas las mañanas.

The retiree walked through the park every morning.

Los jubilados se manifestaron para pedir mejores pensiones.

The retirees demonstrated to ask for better pensions.

Noun/Adjective overlap

In Spanish, you can turn many adjectives into nouns by just adding an article (the). So, 'un jubilado' is 'a retired person' or 'a retiree'.

Avoid using 'jubilado' for military

Mistake: “Calling a retired soldier 'un jubilado'.”

Correction: In the military or professional sports, people usually prefer 'retirado'.

retirado

reh-tee-RAH-dohretiˈraðo

nounB1
Use 'retirado' as a noun when referring to a person receiving a pension, especially if you want to emphasize their status as having left their previous employment, or in contexts where discounts are offered to this group.
An older woman sits relaxed in a comfortable armchair next to a window, smiling while reading a book, symbolizing the end of her working life.

Examples

Los retirados suelen disfrutar de tarifas reducidas.

Retirees usually enjoy reduced fares.

Mi abuelo es un hombre felizmente retirado.

My grandfather is a happily retired man.

Ella está retirada desde hace cinco años.

She has been retired for five years.

Los profesores retirados organizaron un viaje.

The retired teachers organized a trip.

Agreement is Key

Like many Spanish adjectives, 'retirado' must match the person it describes in both gender (o/a) and number (s/es). If you describe a woman, use 'retirada'.

Adjective to Noun

In Spanish, it's very common to take an adjective (like 'retired') and use it as a noun to mean 'the person who is that way' (the retiree). The feminine form is 'la retirada'.

retirado

reh-tee-RAH-dohretiˈraðo

adjectiveA2
Use 'retirado' as an adjective to describe someone who has retired from their job, focusing on their state of having left work rather than solely on receiving a pension.
An older woman sits relaxed in a comfortable armchair next to a window, smiling while reading a book, symbolizing the end of her working life.

Examples

Él es un escritor retirado que vive en el campo.

He is a retired writer who lives in the countryside.

Mi abuelo es un hombre felizmente retirado.

My grandfather is a happily retired man.

Ella está retirada desde hace cinco años.

She has been retired for five years.

Los profesores retirados organizaron un viaje.

The retired teachers organized a trip.

Agreement is Key

Like many Spanish adjectives, 'retirado' must match the person it describes in both gender (o/a) and number (s/es). If you describe a woman, use 'retirada'.

Adjective to Noun

In Spanish, it's very common to take an adjective (like 'retired') and use it as a noun to mean 'the person who is that way' (the retiree). The feminine form is 'la retirada'.

Choosing between 'jubilado' and 'retirado'

Learners often confuse 'jubilado' and 'retirado'. While both can mean 'pensioner', 'jubilado' is the most standard noun. Use 'retirado' as a noun primarily when the context implies a status or group receiving benefits, and always remember it can also be an adjective meaning 'retired'.

Related Translations

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