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viejo means old — a common term in Essential Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: August 30, 2025

📘 Essential Spanish

viejo

adjective • /[VYE-ho]/

old

Example:

Ese edificio es muy viejo.

That building is very old.

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🧠 What does viejo mean?

The Spanish word 'viejo' primarily means 'old' and is used to describe people, animals, things, or ideas that have existed for a long time or are no longer new. It can also carry connotations of experience, wisdom, and sometimes, deterioration depending on the context. 'Viejo' is a common and versatile adjective in Spanish.

📚 Extra examples

  • Mi abuelo es muy viejo, pero tiene mucha energía.
    My grandfather is very old, but he has a lot of energy.
  • Tengo un coche viejo que me encanta.
    I have an old car that I love.
  • Esa es una vieja historia que todos conocemos.
    That's an old story that we all know.
  • Mis viejos amigos vinieron a visitarme.
    My old friends came to visit me.

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'old' in Spanish?
The most common way to say 'old' in Spanish is 'viejo'.
How do you pronounce 'viejo' in Spanish?
It's pronounced 'vee-EH-ho'. The 'j' in 'viejo' makes a 'h' sound, similar to the 'h' in 'hello'.
How do you use 'viejo' in a sentence?
You can use 'viejo' before or after the noun it describes. For example, 'un hombre viejo' (an old man) or 'un viejo amigo' (an old friend). The word order can slightly change the nuance of the meaning.
What is the English translation of 'viejo'?
The primary translation of 'viejo' is 'old'. However, it can sometimes mean 'former', 'long-standing', or even carry affectionate connotations like 'dear old'.
Does 'viejo' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'viejo' changes to agree with the noun it modifies. The feminine form is 'vieja', and the plural forms are 'viejos' (masculine) and 'viejas' (feminine).
Is 'viejo' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'viejo' is a very common word used frequently in everyday conversations.
Does 'viejo' have slang or double meanings?
In some contexts, 'viejo' can be used informally to refer to one's parents or husband/wife (similar to 'old man' or 'old lady' in English). It can also be used as a term of endearment between friends.
Is 'viejo' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
While the core meaning remains consistent, some nuanced uses may vary regionally. For instance, the slang/informal uses mentioned above might be more prevalent in some Latin American countries.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "viejo"

Synonyms: anciano, antiguo, vetusto
Opposites: joven, nuevo, moderno

💡 Did You Know?

While 'viejo' usually refers to age, it can also be used to describe things that are worn out or outdated. For example, 'ropa vieja' translates to 'old clothes', but can also refer to a specific dish made with shredded beef.

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