Portuguese · People & Family
"Elderly person" in Portuguese: idoso / idosa
o idoso / a idosa
Elderly person in Portuguese is o idoso / a idosa. Prefer this respectful pair over old jokes. Prioridade para idosos appears on signs.
Bus seat
Cedi o lugar para uma idosa.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce idoso / idosa
Say it
ee-DOH-zoo
/i.ˈdo.zu/
ee-DOH-zoo
"Elderly person" in Portuguese: quick reference
| Portuguese | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| o idoso / a idosa | the elderly person Respectful default. | Respectful default. |
| os idosos | elderly people Plural. | Plural. |
| prioridade para idosos | priority for the elderly Signs. | Signs. |
| cuidado com idosos | care for the elderly Services. | Services. |
How to use idoso / idosa in real life
- 1Bus seat
Cedi o lugar para uma idosa.
I gave my seat to an elderly woman.
Politeness.
- 2Clinic line
Idosos têm prioridade no atendimento.
Elderly people have priority in service.
Policy.
- 3Family care
Meu avô é idoso e mora conosco.
My grandfather is elderly and lives with us.
Family.
Mistakes English speakers make with idoso / idosa
Incorrect: Ele é um elderly.
Correct: Ele é um idoso.
Use idoso/idosa, not English elderly.
Incorrect: Ela é um idoso.
Correct: Ela é uma idosa.
Match gender: ela → idosa.
Good to know
Idoso/idosa is the respectful public word in Brazil. Offering seats and queue priority is expected. Avoid velho as a label for strangers—it can sound rude.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Helping at the bank
ChatPal
A idosa na fila precisa de ajuda?
Does the elderly woman in line need help?
You
Sim. Vou chamar o atendente para a idosa.
Yes. I’ll call the clerk for the elderly woman.
ChatPal
Bom. Idosos têm prioridade aqui.
Good. Elderly people have priority here.
You
Eu fico com os documentos dela.
I’ll hold her documents.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Elderly person" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Elderly person" in Portuguese
Masculine / feminine?
Idoso / idosa.
Plural?
Os idosos / as idosas.
Priority signs?
Prioridade para idosos.
Avoid?
Calling strangers velho/velha.
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
