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How to Say "senior" in Spanish

English → Spanish

mayor

/mah-YOR//maˈʝoɾ/

nounB1formal, respectful
Use 'mayor' as a noun when respectfully referring to an elderly person or the elderly in general.
Two smiling elderly people, one man and one woman, sitting peacefully together on a park bench.

Examples

Debemos cuidar a nuestros mayores.

We must take care of our elders.

Hay un descuento para mayores en el museo.

There is a discount for senior citizens at the museum.

Esta película es solo para mayores.

This movie is for adults only.

Using 'Los' or 'Las'

When used as a noun, you'll almost always see it with an article like 'los mayores' (the elderly people/men) or 'las mayores' (the elderly women).

mayores

mah-YOH-rehs/maˈʝoɾes/

adjectiveA1
Use 'mayores' as an adjective to describe older siblings or children within a family context.
A tall adult with slightly graying hair smiling down warmly at a much shorter, younger child, illustrating the comparison of ages.

Examples

Mis hijos mayores ya están en la universidad.

My older children are already in university.

Necesitamos vehículos mayores para transportar todo el equipo.

We need bigger vehicles to transport all the equipment.

Los desafíos de este proyecto son mayores de lo que pensamos.

The challenges of this project are greater than we thought.

Always Plural

Since this word ends in '-es', it must always describe more than one person or thing. It is the plural form of the singular word 'mayor'.

The Irregular Comparison

'Mayores' already means 'bigger' or 'older,' so you don't need to add the word 'más' (more) before it. You would never say 'más mayores'.

Adding 'Más'

Mistake: “Estos coches son más mayores.”

Correction: Estos coches son mayores. ('Mayores' already means 'more big/old,' so 'más' is unnecessary.)

superior

soo-peh-ree-OR/su.peˈɾjoɾ/

nounB1formal, professional
Use 'superior' as a noun to refer to someone in a higher position in a professional or hierarchical setting, like a boss.
A formal figure standing slightly elevated on a small step, giving instructions to another figure who is standing on the ground and listening attentively, symbolizing higher rank.

Examples

Mi superior jerárquico aprobó el presupuesto.

My hierarchical superior (boss) approved the budget.

Ella es la superiora de la orden religiosa.

She is the Mother Superior (female superior) of the religious order.

Necesitas la firma de tu superior para proceder.

You need your superior's signature to proceed.

Masculine vs. Feminine Noun

When referring to a male boss, use 'el superior'. When referring to a female boss, use 'la superior' or, especially in religious contexts, 'la superiora'.

Age vs. Hierarchy

The most common mistake is confusing 'mayor(es)' (age/family) with 'superior' (professional rank). Remember that 'mayor' refers to age or older family members, while 'superior' specifically denotes a boss or someone higher up in an organization.

Related Translations

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