Spanish · People & Family
"Elderly person" in Spanish: persona mayor
la persona mayor
An elderly person is often la persona mayor (pehr-SOH-nah mah-YOHR). The phrase is polite. Avoid harsh labels when you can name the persona mayor with respect.
Bus seat
Cede el asiento a la persona mayor.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce persona mayor
Say it
pehr-SOH-nah mah-YOHR
/peɾˈso.na maˈʝoɾ/
Say pehr-SOH-nah mah-YOHR. Stress SOH and YOHR. Soft s sounds.
"Elderly person" in Spanish: quick reference
| Spanish | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| la persona mayor | elderly person Polite default. | Polite default. |
| una persona mayor | an elderly person Indefinite. | Indefinite. |
| personas mayores | elderly people Plural group. | Plural group. |
| adulto mayor | older adult Common in formal or health contexts. | Common in formal or health contexts. |
How to use persona mayor in real life
- 1Bus seat
Cede el asiento a la persona mayor.
Give the seat to the elderly person.
Polite public phrase with persona mayor.
- 2Clinic desk
La persona mayor necesita ayuda.
The elderly person needs help.
Care talk naming persona mayor.
- 3Family visit
Visitamos a una persona mayor hoy.
We're visiting an elderly person today.
Visit plan with persona mayor.
Mistakes English speakers make with persona mayor
Incorrect: El persona mayor espera.
Correct: La persona mayor espera.
Persona is feminine, so say la persona mayor.
Incorrect: Ayuda al elderly man.
Correct: Ayuda a la persona mayor.
Use persona mayor, not English elderly.
Good to know
Latin American Spanish often prefers persona mayor or adulto mayor as respectful options. Tone matters as much as the exact noun.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Helping on a crowded bus
ChatPal
¿Ves a la persona mayor cerca de la puerta?
Do you see the elderly person near the door?
You
Sí. Ofrezco mi asiento a la persona mayor.
Yes. I'll offer my seat to the elderly person.
ChatPal
Qué amable. Yo sostengo las bolsas.
How kind. I'll hold the bags.
You
Gracias. Bajamos en la próxima.
Thanks. We get off at the next stop.
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 Spanish
Why is it la persona mayor?
Persona is feminine, so the whole phrase takes la.
Is anciano rude?
It can sound blunt. Persona mayor is safer and more polite.
How do I say elderly people?
Personas mayores.
What is adulto mayor?
A respectful formal phrase for an older adult.
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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