French · Emotions & Descriptions
"Old" in French: vieux / vieille
vieux / vieille
Old in French is vieux before masculine nouns and vieille before feminine ones. Vieil appears before a masculine vowel sound: un vieil ami. For people's age, older adults may prefer âgé(e).
Apartment
C'est un vieux bâtiment, mais solide.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce vieux / vieille
Say it
VYUH / VYAY
/vjø/ /vjɛj/
Vieux is roughly VYUH. Vieille is VYAY. Vieil is VYAY before a vowel.
"Old" in French: quick reference
| French | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| vieux / vieille | old Things and sometimes people. | Things and sometimes people. |
| vieil | old (m before vowel) Un vieil homme, un vieil appartement. | Un vieil homme, un vieil appartement. |
| âgé / âgée | elderly / aged Politer for people. | Politer for people. |
| ancien / ancienne | former / ancient Previous role or historic. | Previous role or historic. |
How to use vieux / vieille in real life
- 1Apartment
C'est un vieux bâtiment, mais solide.
It's an old building, but solid.
Vieux + masculine.
- 2Clothes
Cette vieille chemise est mon favorite.
This old shirt is my favorite.
Vieille + feminine.
- 3Bookstore
Je collectionne les vieux romans policiers.
I collect old detective novels.
Vieux + masculine plural.
Mistakes English speakers make with vieux / vieille
Incorrect: Une vieux voiture.
Correct: Une vieille voiture.
Feminine noun takes vieille.
Incorrect: Un vieux ami.
Correct: Un vieil ami.
Before a masculine noun starting with a vowel sound, use vieil (un vieil ami).
Good to know
Calling a person vieux / vieille can sound blunt. Many speakers soften with plus âgé or mon aîné depending on context.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Flea-market browsing
ChatPal
Tu aimes ces vieux disques ?
Do you like these old records?
You
Oui. Et cette vieille affiche est superbe.
Yes. And this old poster is superb.
ChatPal
Je prends le lot.
I'll take the set.
You
Negocie un peu le prix.
Haggle the price a bit.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Old" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Old" in French
How do you say old in French?
Vieux / vieille (vieil before some masculine vowels).
When do I use vieil?
Before a masculine noun starting with a vowel sound.
Is vieux rude for people?
It can be; âgé(e) is often softer.
How do you pronounce vieux?
VYUH.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
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