At the A1 level, you should recognize 'velhice' as the word for 'old age'. You will mostly use it in simple sentences to describe family members or general life stages. It's important to know it's a feminine noun ('a velhice') and that it comes from the word 'velho' (old). You might use it to say things like 'Minha avó está na velhice' (My grandmother is in old age). Focus on the basic meaning: the opposite of 'juventude' (youth). At this stage, don't worry about complex metaphors; just understand that it refers to the time when someone is an 'idoso' (elderly person). You will hear it when people talk about their grandparents or when learning about the life cycle. Remember the pronunciation: the 'ice' at the end is like 'eess'. It's a fundamental word because family is so important in Portuguese-speaking cultures, and talking about the different ages of family members is a very common A1 conversation topic.
At the A2 level, you can start using 'velhice' in more descriptive sentences. You should be able to talk about the characteristics of old age using basic adjectives. For example, 'uma velhice feliz' (a happy old age) or 'uma velhice difícil' (a difficult old age). You will also start to see the word in simple texts about health or society. You should be comfortable with the prepositional phrase 'na velhice' (in old age). You might also learn the polite alternative 'terceira idade' (third age) and understand when to use it instead of 'velhice' to be more polite. You can now use the word to describe plans, such as 'Eu quero viajar na minha velhice' (I want to travel in my old age). This level is about moving from just recognizing the word to using it to express simple thoughts and desires related to the later stages of life.
At the B1 level, you can use 'velhice' to discuss social issues and personal reflections. You should be able to talk about topics like retirement ('reforma' in Portugal, 'aposentadoria' in Brazil) and how people prepare for 'velhice'. You will encounter the word in news articles or more detailed stories. You should understand common expressions like 'morrer de velhice' (to die of old age). At this stage, you can participate in discussions about the role of the elderly in society. You might say, 'A sociedade deve respeitar mais a velhice' (Society should respect old age more). You are also becoming aware of the cultural nuances, such as the expectation that families look after their members during their 'velhice'. Your vocabulary is expanding to include related terms like 'envelhecimento' (aging) and 'previdência' (social security), allowing for more coherent and connected speech about the topic.
At the B2 level, you can handle abstract and complex discussions involving 'velhice'. You can read opinion pieces about the 'envelhecimento da população' (aging of the population) and understand the economic and social implications. You can use the word in more sophisticated grammatical structures, such as 'Ainda que a velhice traga desafios, ela também traz paz' (Even though old age brings challenges, it also brings peace). You should be able to distinguish between 'velhice' and more clinical terms like 'senescência' or 'senilidade'. You can also use the word in a metaphorical sense, perhaps describing the 'velhice' of a political movement or an era. Your ability to use synonyms and antonyms correctly is much stronger, and you can adjust your register depending on whether you are in a formal academic setting or a casual conversation.
At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the literary and historical connotations of 'velhice'. You can appreciate how poets like Fernando Pessoa or Carlos Drummond de Andrade use the word to explore themes of time and existence. You can use 'velhice' in academic writing, discussing 'a fenomenologia da velhice' (the phenomenology of old age) or other complex topics. You are comfortable with archaic or very formal synonyms like 'ancianidade'. Your use of the word is precise, and you can pick up on subtle ironies or double meanings in native speech. You can lead a debate on the ethics of elderly care or the portrayal of 'velhice' in modern media. Your vocabulary is rich enough to describe the various stages and types of 'velhice' with nuance and cultural sensitivity, reflecting a high level of linguistic and cultural competence.
At the C2 level, you use 'velhice' with the same ease and depth as a highly educated native speaker. You can analyze the etymological roots of the word and its evolution through the Romance languages. You can employ it in any context, from the most informal slang to the most rigorous scientific discourse. You understand the profound cultural differences in how 'velhice' is perceived across the entire Lusophone world—from rural Portugal to urban Brazil to Angola and Mozambique. You can write complex essays or give spontaneous presentations that use 'velhice' as a central theme, exploring its intersections with philosophy, biology, and sociology. Your command of idioms, proverbs, and literary references involving 'velhice' is complete, allowing you to use the word with total precision, creativity, and authority.

velhice في 30 ثانية

  • Velhice is a feminine noun meaning 'old age', derived from 'velho' (old).
  • It refers to the final stage of the human life cycle and is used in social, medical, and personal contexts.
  • Commonly paired with prepositions like 'na' (in) and verbs like 'chegar' (to arrive).
  • While neutral, polite alternatives like 'terceira idade' are often used in modern social settings.

The Portuguese word velhice is a feminine noun that translates directly to 'old age' in English. It represents the final stage of the human life cycle, typically following adulthood. While the word itself is biologically descriptive, its usage carries a vast array of emotional, social, and philosophical weight in Lusophone cultures. In Portugal and Brazil, the concept of velhice is often discussed in the context of family, social security (previdência), and the wisdom that comes with time. It is not merely a chronological marker but a state of being that encompasses physical changes, a wealth of experience, and often a shift in social roles from provider to elder. Understanding this word requires looking beyond the dictionary to see how it functions as a milestone. When a Portuguese speaker mentions their velhice, they might be talking about their retirement plans, their health, or the legacy they wish to leave behind.

Biological Context
Refers to the natural process of senescence and the physical manifestations of aging in the human body.
Social Context
Used to discuss the demographic of 'the elderly' (a terceira idade) and the public policies related to them.
Philosophical Context
Often used in literature to reflect on the passage of time, the loss of youth, and the arrival of wisdom or reflection.

In everyday conversation, velhice is used both formally and informally. You might hear a doctor discuss the challenges of velhice in a clinical setting, or a grandfather jokingly complaining about the 'pains of velhice' (as dores da velhice) during a family dinner. It is a neutral term, though it can carry a slight tone of melancholy depending on the speaker's perspective. Unlike the English word 'senility', which is strictly medical and negative, velhice is the standard, broad term for the entire experience of being old. It is the destination of the journey that starts with infância (childhood), moves through juventude (youth), and settles in idade adulta (adulthood).

A velhice traz consigo a sabedoria que a juventude muitas vezes ignora.

Translation: Old age brings with it the wisdom that youth often ignores.

Culturally, the Lusophone world places a high value on family care during velhice. Unlike some individualistic cultures where nursing homes are the default, there is a strong tradition of children caring for their parents as they reach velhice. This makes the word deeply tied to concepts of duty, love, and multi-generational living. When someone says 'Quero uma velhice tranquila' (I want a peaceful old age), they are envisioning a life surrounded by family, financial stability, and health. It is a word of reflection, looking back at a life lived and forward to the final horizon. Whether used in a poem by Fernando Pessoa or a government report on pensions, velhice is the inescapable and respected final chapter of the human story.

Using velhice correctly in Portuguese requires an understanding of its gender and its common prepositional pairings. Since it is a feminine noun ending in '-ice' (a common suffix for abstract nouns derived from adjectives, like tolice from tolo), it always takes the feminine article a. You will frequently see it paired with the preposition na (em + a), meaning 'in' old age. For example, 'Na velhice, ele tornou-se mais paciente' (In old age, he became more patient). The word functions as a subject, an object, or part of an adverbial phrase describing a period of time.

As a Subject
'A velhice chegou rapidamente.' (Old age arrived quickly.) Here, the noun is the performer of the action.
As a Complement
'Ele teme a velhice.' (He fears old age.) In this case, it is the direct object of the verb temer.
Descriptive Use
'Uma velhice saudável é o sonho de todos.' (A healthy old age is everyone's dream.) Use adjectives to modify the quality of the state.

One of the most common sentence patterns involves the verb chegar (to arrive). Portuguese speakers don't just 'get old'; they 'arrive at old age' (chegar à velhice). Note the use of the crase (à) because chegar requires the preposition a and velhice is feminine. This phrasing suggests a journey or a destination. Another important pattern is 'de velhice', used to describe causes of death or conditions: 'Ele morreu de velhice' (He died of old age). This is a standard way to express a natural end to life without a specific disease being named.

Devemos nos preparar financeiramente para a velhice.

Translation: We must prepare ourselves financially for old age.

In more complex sentences, velhice can be used to contrast with other life stages. 'A distância entre a juventude e a velhice parece curta quando olhamos para trás' (The distance between youth and old age seems short when we look back). This comparative structure is very common in reflective writing and speeches. You can also use it to describe the state of objects, though this is metaphorical and less common than using it for people; usually, for objects, we use antiguidade or just say they are velhos. Stick to using velhice for the human experience to sound most natural.

In the real world, velhice pops up in several distinct environments. If you are watching the news in Portugal or Brazil, you will hear it frequently in segments regarding 'reforma' (pensions) or 'segurança social'. News anchors might discuss the 'sustentabilidade da velhice' (sustainability of old age) or the challenges of an aging population. In these contexts, the word is used with a degree of clinical or economic distance, focusing on the demographic as a whole rather than individuals.

In the Doctor's Office
Physicians use it to categorize age-related conditions. 'É um sintoma comum na velhice.' (It is a common symptom in old age.)
In Literature and Music
Fado singers in Lisbon often sing about 'saudade' and the 'triste velhice', romanticizing the melancholy of aging.
In Family Discussions
Adult children might discuss 'a velhice dos pais' (their parents' old age) when planning for future care or living arrangements.

You will also encounter velhice in legal and administrative documents. For instance, 'Pensão por velhice' is the official term for an age-based retirement pension in Portugal. When filling out forms or dealing with government bureaucracy, this is the term you will see. It lacks the euphemistic fluff of 'golden years' and gets straight to the point. However, in social settings, like a community center or a gym class for seniors, the word might be avoided in favor of 'terceira idade' to maintain a more upbeat, active atmosphere.

O governo anunciou novas medidas para apoiar a velhice ativa.

Translation: The government announced new measures to support active old age.

Finally, the word is a staple of proverbs and folk wisdom. You might hear 'A velhice é um posto' (Old age is a rank/position), which implies that being old carries an inherent authority and deserves respect. Or 'Se a juventude soubesse e a velhice pudesse' (If youth knew and old age could), a common lament about the mismatch between the energy of the young and the knowledge of the old. Hearing these phrases will give you a deep insight into the Lusophone psyche regarding the passage of time and the respect afforded to those who have reached this stage of life.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make when learning Portuguese is confusing the noun velhice with the adjective velho. In English, 'old' can be both a noun ('the old') and an adjective ('an old man'). In Portuguese, these are strictly separated. You cannot say 'Ele é velhice' (He is old age); you must say 'Ele é velho' (He is old). Velhice refers only to the abstract state or the period of life itself. It is the 'what', not the 'who'.

Noun vs. Adjective
Mistake: 'Meu avô tem uma grande velho.' Correct: 'Meu avô tem uma grande velhice' (referring to his long period of old age) or 'Meu avô é muito velho'.
Gender Confusion
Mistake: 'O velhice'. Correct: 'A velhice'. Abstract nouns ending in -ice are almost always feminine.
Confusing with 'Idade'
'Idade' means 'age' in general (e.g., 'What is your age?'). 'Velhice' specifically means 'old age'. Don't use 'velhice' when you just mean 'age'.

Another mistake is using velhice to describe objects. While you can say 'This car is old' (Este carro é velho), you wouldn't typically talk about the 'velhice' of a car. Instead, you would use antiguidade (antiquity) or simply refer to its estado (condition). Velhice is very much a human-centric word. Using it for a piece of furniture might sound like you are personifying the object in a poetic or strange way. Stick to using it for people and the human condition to avoid sounding unnatural.

Não diga 'ele está velhice', diga 'ele está na velhice'.

Explanation: Don't say 'he is old age', say 'he is in old age'.

Lastly, be careful with the word's register. Calling someone's current state 'velhice' directly to their face can be seen as slightly blunt or even rude in some contexts, as it emphasizes the end of life. While it's not a 'bad' word, it's often softer to use phrases like 'terceira idade' (third age) or 'anos dourados' (golden years) in polite social conversation. Think of velhice as the precise, slightly clinical term, and 'terceira idade' as the polite, social term. Choosing the wrong one won't necessarily make you misunderstood, but it might make you seem less culturally aware of social nuances.

While velhice is the most common and direct term for old age, Portuguese offers several alternatives that carry different shades of meaning. Understanding these can help you choose the right word for the right situation, whether you're aiming for medical precision, social politeness, or poetic flair. The most frequent alternative you will encounter is terceira idade, which is a sociodemographic term used to describe the population over 60 or 65. It is widely used in media, politics, and marketing because it sounds more active and less 'final' than velhice.

Velhice vs. Terceira Idade
'Velhice' is the biological state; 'Terceira Idade' is the social group. Use the latter for social clubs, discounts, or government programs.
Velhice vs. Senescência
'Senescência' is a technical, biological term for the process of aging. It is used in medicine and biology textbooks, rarely in casual conversation.
Velhice vs. Senilidade
'Senilidade' specifically refers to the decline of mental or physical faculties. It has a much more negative, clinical connotation than 'velhice'.

In literature, you might find more metaphorical terms. O outono da vida (the autumn of life) is a beautiful way to refer to velhice without using the word itself. It suggests a time of harvest, changing colors, and a natural cooling down after the 'summer' of adulthood. Similarly, os anos de declínio (the years of decline) is a more somber way to describe the same period. For a very formal or archaic tone, the word ancianidade can be used, though it is quite rare today and usually refers to the status of being an elder or 'ancião'.

Muitos preferem o termo 'melhor idade' em vez de velhice.

Translation: Many prefer the term 'best age' instead of 'old age'.

When comparing velhice to its antonyms, the most common is juventude (youth). The contrast between these two states is a central theme in Portuguese culture, often discussed in terms of 'saudade' (longing). You might also see it contrasted with infância (childhood) or maturidade (maturity). Understanding that velhice is part of a spectrum of life stages helps in grasping its full meaning. It isn't just 'being old'; it's the culmination of everything that came before it. By learning these alternatives, you gain the ability to navigate the social and emotional landscape of Portuguese with much greater sensitivity and precision.

How Formal Is It?

حقيقة ممتعة

The suffix '-ice' is used in Portuguese to turn adjectives into abstract nouns, often denoting a quality or state, similar to '-ness' or '-ity' in English. It's the same suffix found in 'doidice' (craziness) and 'tolice' (foolishness).

دليل النطق

UK /vɛlˈisɨ/
US /veˈlisi/
The stress is on the second syllable: vel-HICE.
يتقافى مع
tolice meninice meiguice doidice burrice chatice rabugice crendice
أخطاء شائعة
  • Pronouncing it like English 'ice' (eyes).
  • Making the 'v' sound like a 'b' (common for Spanish speakers).
  • Stressing the first syllable.
  • Forgetting the 'h' sound (it's a palatal lateral, like 'million').
  • Pronouncing the final 'e' as a strong 'ay' sound.

مستوى الصعوبة

القراءة 1/5

The word is short and appears in many basic texts about family.

الكتابة 2/5

Remembering the '-ice' suffix and the feminine gender is key.

التحدث 2/5

The 'lh' sound and the final 'ice' require some practice for English speakers.

الاستماع 1/5

It is a distinct-sounding word that is easy to pick out in conversation.

ماذا تتعلّم بعد ذلك

المتطلبات الأساسية

velho idade vida homem mulher

تعلّم لاحقاً

envelhecer reforma aposentadoria idoso saudade

متقدم

senescência geriatria longevidade decadência perenidade

قواعد يجب معرفتها

Abstract Nouns in -ice

Velho (adj) -> Velhice (noun). Doido (adj) -> Doidice (noun).

Feminine Gender for -ice nouns

A velhice, a tolice, a chatice.

Contraction of 'em' + 'a'

Em + a velhice = Na velhice.

Use of 'de' to indicate cause

Morrer de velhice (to die of old age).

Crase with 'chegar'

Chegar à velhice (requires 'a' prep + 'a' article).

أمثلة حسب المستوى

1

Minha avó está na velhice.

My grandmother is in old age.

Uses the feminine article 'a' contracted with 'em' to form 'na'.

2

A velhice é uma fase da vida.

Old age is a phase of life.

'A velhice' is the subject of the sentence.

3

Ele é um homem na velhice.

He is a man in old age.

Describes the man's current stage of life.

4

Eu amo a minha avó na sua velhice.

I love my grandmother in her old age.

Shows affection towards someone in this stage.

5

A velhice chega para todos.

Old age comes for everyone.

Uses the verb 'chegar' (to arrive/come).

6

O gato morreu de velhice.

The cat died of old age.

'De velhice' indicates the cause of death.

7

Ela tem medo da velhice.

She is afraid of old age.

'Medo da' (fear of) uses the contraction de + a.

8

A velhice pode ser calma.

Old age can be calm.

Uses 'ser' to describe a quality.

1

Nós precisamos cuidar da nossa velhice.

We need to take care of our old age.

Refers to planning for the future.

2

A velhice traz cabelos brancos.

Old age brings white hair.

Uses the verb 'trazer' (to bring).

3

Eles vivem uma velhice tranquila no campo.

They live a peaceful old age in the countryside.

Uses an adjective 'tranquila' to modify 'velhice'.

4

Muitas pessoas praticam desporto na velhice.

Many people practice sports in old age.

Shows an active lifestyle.

5

A velhice não é o fim.

Old age is not the end.

A philosophical A2 statement.

6

O meu avô conta histórias da sua velhice.

My grandfather tells stories of his old age.

Possessive 'sua' agrees with 'velhice'.

7

Ela estuda o tema da velhice na escola.

She studies the theme of old age at school.

Identifies 'velhice' as a topic.

8

Como você imagina a sua velhice?

How do you imagine your old age?

A direct question using 'imaginar'.

1

O sistema de saúde deve estar preparado para a velhice da população.

The health system must be prepared for the aging of the population.

Discusses infrastructure and demographics.

2

A velhice é vista de forma diferente em cada cultura.

Old age is seen differently in each culture.

Uses the passive voice 'é vista'.

3

Não devemos encarar a velhice como uma doença.

We should not view old age as a disease.

Uses 'encarar como' (to view as).

4

Ele dedicou o seu livro aos desafios da velhice.

He dedicated his book to the challenges of old age.

Uses 'dedicar a' with crase.

5

A solidão é um grande problema na velhice.

Loneliness is a big problem in old age.

Links a social issue to the life stage.

6

Muitas leis protegem os direitos das pessoas na velhice.

Many laws protect the rights of people in old age.

Discusses legal protections.

7

A velhice requer paciência e adaptação.

Old age requires patience and adaptation.

Uses the verb 'requerer' (to require).

8

A transição para a velhice pode ser um momento de reflexão.

The transition to old age can be a moment of reflection.

Uses 'transição para' (transition to).

1

A sustentabilidade da velhice depende de políticas públicas eficazes.

The sustainability of old age depends on effective public policies.

Sophisticated vocabulary: 'sustentabilidade', 'políticas públicas'.

2

A velhice não deve ser sinónimo de inatividade.

Old age should not be synonymous with inactivity.

Uses 'sinónimo de' (synonym of).

3

O preconceito contra a velhice é conhecido como idadismo.

Prejudice against old age is known as ageism.

Introduces the concept of 'idadismo'.

4

A velhice traz à tona memórias que pareciam esquecidas.

Old age brings to light memories that seemed forgotten.

Idiom: 'trazer à tona' (to bring to the surface).

5

É fundamental promover uma velhice digna para todos os cidadãos.

It is fundamental to promote a dignified old age for all citizens.

Uses 'promover' and the adjective 'digna'.

6

A velhice é um processo biológico inevitável e complexo.

Old age is an inevitable and complex biological process.

Scientific/academic tone.

7

Muitos escritores exploram a melancolia da velhice em suas obras.

Many writers explore the melancholy of old age in their works.

Literary analysis context.

8

A velhice pode ser encarada como uma nova oportunidade de aprendizado.

Old age can be viewed as a new opportunity for learning.

Uses 'encarada como' in a positive light.

1

A velhice, enquanto construção social, varia drasticamente entre as épocas.

Old age, as a social construction, varies drastically between eras.

Uses 'enquanto' to mean 'as/in the capacity of'.

2

A decadência física na velhice é frequentemente compensada pelo vigor intelectual.

Physical decay in old age is often compensated by intellectual vigor.

Sophisticated contrast using 'decadência' and 'vigor'.

3

A velhice impõe uma reavaliação das prioridades existenciais do indivíduo.

Old age imposes a reassessment of the individual's existential priorities.

Uses the verb 'impor' (to impose).

4

A literatura de Saramago aborda a velhice com uma crueza desarmante.

Saramago's literature approaches old age with a disarming rawness.

Specific literary reference.

5

O estigma da velhice na modernidade está ligado à obsessão pela juventude.

The stigma of old age in modernity is linked to the obsession with youth.

Sociological critique.

6

A velhice não é um fardo, mas sim o ápice da experiência humana.

Old age is not a burden, but rather the pinnacle of human experience.

Uses 'não... mas sim' for emphasis.

7

A previdência social enfrenta crises devido ao prolongamento da velhice.

Social security faces crises due to the prolongation of old age.

Economic/demographic context.

8

A velhice é o espelho onde a sociedade vê o seu próprio futuro.

Old age is the mirror where society sees its own future.

Metaphorical and philosophical.

1

A velhice é a penumbra que precede o ocaso final da existência.

Old age is the twilight that precedes the final sunset of existence.

Highly poetic vocabulary: 'penumbra', 'ocaso'.

2

Perscrutar a velhice exige uma sensibilidade que transcende o factual.

Scrutinizing old age requires a sensitivity that transcends the factual.

Uses the rare verb 'perscrutar' (to scrutinize).

3

A velhice, despojada de artifícios, revela a essência do ser.

Old age, stripped of artifices, reveals the essence of being.

Sophisticated use of 'despojada' (stripped/bare).

4

A senectude, termo erudito para velhice, evoca uma aura de solenidade.

Senescence, an erudite term for old age, evokes an aura of solemnity.

Discusses the synonym 'senectude'.

5

O declínio inerente à velhice é um desafio à soberba humana.

The decline inherent in old age is a challenge to human pride.

Philosophical use of 'soberba' (pride/arrogance).

6

A velhice transfigura o corpo, mas pode imortalizar o espírito através do legado.

Old age transfigures the body, but can immortalize the spirit through legacy.

Uses the verb 'transfigurar'.

7

Nas entrelinhas da velhice, lemos a história de uma vida inteira.

Between the lines of old age, we read the story of an entire life.

Metaphorical use of 'entrelinhas'.

8

A velhice é o porto de abrigo após a tempestade da maturidade.

Old age is the harbor of shelter after the storm of maturity.

Uses 'porto de abrigo' (safe harbor).

تلازمات شائعة

na velhice
chegar à velhice
morrer de velhice
velhice tranquila
velhice ativa
preparar-se para a velhice
desafios da velhice
sabedoria da velhice
solidão na velhice
pensão por velhice

العبارات الشائعة

A velhice não perdoa.

— Time catches up with everyone; physical decline is inevitable.

Já não consigo correr como antes, a velhice não perdoa.

Peso da velhice.

— The physical and mental burden of being old.

Ele sente o peso da velhice nos joelhos.

No limiar da velhice.

— On the threshold of old age; about to become old.

Aos 65 anos, ele sente-se no limiar da velhice.

Velhice desamparada.

— Old age without family or financial support.

É triste ver uma velhice desamparada.

Gozo da velhice.

— The enjoyment of one's later years.

Ele vive agora o pleno gozo da velhice.

As dores da velhice.

— The physical pains associated with aging.

As dores da velhice fazem parte do dia a dia.

Velhice precoce.

— Early aging, often due to stress or illness.

O trabalho duro causou-lhe uma velhice precoce.

Conforto na velhice.

— Financial and physical ease in old age.

Poupamos dinheiro para ter conforto na velhice.

Respeito à velhice.

— The cultural value of respecting elders.

O respeito à velhice é fundamental na nossa casa.

Velhice digna.

— An old age with basic rights and respect met.

Lutamos por uma velhice digna para todos.

يُخلط عادةً مع

velhice vs velho

English speakers use 'old' as both noun and adjective. In Portuguese, 'velho' is the adjective and 'velhice' is the noun for the life stage.

velhice vs idade

'Idade' is any age (1, 20, 80). 'Velhice' is specifically the old age stage.

velhice vs antiguidade

'Antiguidade' is for objects and history. 'Velhice' is for human beings.

تعبيرات اصطلاحية

"A velhice é um posto."

— Old age is a rank; elders deserve respect and authority.

Escuta o teu avô, a velhice é um posto.

informal/traditional
"Se a juventude soubesse e a velhice pudesse."

— Refers to the irony that youth has energy but no wisdom, while old age has wisdom but no energy.

É o dilema da vida: se a juventude soubesse e a velhice pudesse.

proverbial
"Velhice não é doença."

— Used to argue that being old doesn't mean being sick or incapable.

Vou continuar a trabalhar; velhice não é doença!

informal/assertive
"Dar para o gasto na velhice."

— To still be functional or 'good enough' despite being old.

Este meu carro ainda dá para o gasto na velhice.

slangy/informal
"A velhice é a segunda infância."

— Suggests that very old people become dependent like children again.

Temos de cuidar dele; a velhice é a segunda infância.

informal
"Fazer-se velho antes da velhice."

— To act old or lose spirit before actually being chronologically old.

Não te entregues ao desânimo, não te faças velho antes da velhice.

informal
"Velhice de ouro."

— A period of old age marked by wealth and happiness.

Eles estão a ter uma velhice de ouro na Suíça.

informal
"Cair de velhice."

— To be so old that something (often an object or building) is falling apart.

A casa está a cair de velhice.

informal
"Pagar a velhice."

— To suffer the consequences of youthful excesses in old age.

Agora ele está a pagar a velhice por ter fumado tanto.

informal
"Velhice ranzinza."

— A grumpy or cranky old age.

Ninguém quer ter uma velhice ranzinza.

informal

سهل الخلط

velhice vs Senilidade

Both refer to being old.

Senilidade is a medical term for decline; Velhice is the general life stage.

A velhice é natural, a senilidade é uma condição patológica.

velhice vs Ancianidade

Both mean old age.

Ancianidade is very formal/archaic and implies status.

Ele foi respeitado pela sua ancianidade.

velhice vs Idoso

Both relate to being old.

Idoso is a noun/adjective for the person; Velhice is the noun for the state.

Aquele idoso vive uma velhice tranquila.

velhice vs Reforma

Linked to old age in Portugal.

Reforma is the pension/retirement act; Velhice is the time of life.

Ele entrou na reforma durante a sua velhice.

velhice vs Aposentadoria

Linked to old age in Brazil.

Aposentadoria is the status of being retired; Velhice is the biological stage.

A aposentadoria ajuda a sustentar a velhice.

أنماط الجُمل

A1

A velhice é [adjetivo].

A velhice é difícil.

A2

Na velhice, eu quero [verbo].

Na velhice, eu quero descansar.

B1

É importante [verbo] para a velhice.

É importante poupar para a velhice.

B2

A velhice traz consigo [substantivo].

A velhice traz consigo sabedoria.

C1

Apesar da velhice, [frase].

Apesar da velhice, ele mantém-se lúcido.

C2

A velhice nada mais é do que [metáfora].

A velhice nada mais é do que o espelho do passado.

A1

O meu/A minha [família] está na velhice.

O meu avô está na velhice.

B1

Não se deve temer a velhice.

Não se deve temer a velhice, mas sim a solidão.

عائلة الكلمة

الأسماء

velho (old man)
velha (old woman)
velharia (old stuff/junk)
envelhecimento (aging)

الأفعال

envelhecer (to grow old)
envelhentar (to make look old)

الصفات

velho (old)
envelhecido (aged)
velhusco (slightly old/shabby)

مرتبط

idoso
ancião
veterano
antigo
ancestral

كيفية الاستخدام

frequency

Common in both spoken and written Portuguese.

أخطاء شائعة
  • O velhice A velhice

    Abstract nouns ending in -ice are feminine.

  • Ele é velhice. Ele é velho.

    Velhice is a noun (the state), velho is an adjective (the description).

  • A velhice do carro. A antiguidade do carro.

    Velhice is used for humans, not inanimate objects.

  • Na velhice de 20 anos. Na idade de 20 anos.

    Velhice specifically means 'old age', not general 'age'.

  • Pronouncing 'ice' like English 'ice'. Pronouncing it as 'eess-eh' or 'ee-see'.

    The Portuguese 'i' is always like 'ee' in 'see'.

نصائح

Gender Check

Always remember that abstract nouns ending in -ice are feminine. 'A velhice' is the rule!

Polite Alternative

If you are talking to an older person about their life, use 'terceira idade' to be more respectful.

Human Only

Reserve 'velhice' for people. Use 'antiguidade' or 'velho' for objects and buildings.

The Ending

Don't say 'ice' like the English word. It's 'eess-eh' (PT) or 'ee-see' (BR).

Family Values

In Lusophone cultures, 'velhice' is often a family matter, not just an individual one.

Adjective vs Noun

Never write 'Ele é velhice'. Always 'Ele é velho' or 'Ele está na velhice'.

Context Clues

If you hear 'reforma' or 'saúde', 'velhice' is likely the topic of discussion.

The Post

The phrase 'A velhice é um posto' is a great one to use to show respect for elders.

Linking

Link 'velhice' to 'velho' in your mind. If you know 'velho', you know the root of 'velhice'.

Literary Flair

Use 'outono da vida' in your writing to sound more poetic and advanced.

احفظها

وسيلة تذكّر

Think of 'VELHICE' as 'VEL-H-ICE'. 'VEL' sounds like 'veil' - the veil of time that falls as you reach old age. The 'ICE' is cold, like the bones of an old person in winter.

ربط بصري

Imagine an old, silver-haired person sitting on a block of 'ICE'. The 'ICE' represents the end of the year (winter), just as 'velhice' is the end of life.

Word Web

Aposentadoria Saúde Netos Sabedoria Cabelos Brancos Passado Pensão Idoso

تحدٍّ

Write three sentences: one about your own future velhice, one about a grandparent's velhice, and one using the phrase 'chegar à velhice'.

أصل الكلمة

Derived from the Portuguese adjective 'velho', which comes from the Vulgar Latin 'veclus', a syncopated form of the Classical Latin 'vetulus' (elderly/oldish).

المعنى الأصلي: The state of being 'vetulus' (little old man).

Romance (Indo-European).

السياق الثقافي

While 'velhice' is a standard word, always use 'idoso' or 'senhor/senhora' when addressing an older person directly to show respect.

English speakers often use 'retirement' or 'senior years' where Portuguese speakers might use 'velhice'. 'Velhice' can sound slightly more direct/blunt than 'old age' in some English contexts.

The poem 'Velhice' by Olavo Bilac. The film 'A Velhice' (documentaries on aging in Brazil). José Saramago's reflections on aging in his notebooks.

تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية

سياقات واقعية

Family Talk

  • A velhice do meu pai.
  • Cuidar na velhice.
  • Histórias da velhice.
  • Saúde na velhice.

Financial Planning

  • Poupar para a velhice.
  • Pensão de velhice.
  • Seguro para a velhice.
  • Investir na velhice.

Medical/Health

  • Doenças da velhice.
  • Sintomas de velhice.
  • Velhice saudável.
  • Medicina da velhice.

Social Policy

  • Apoio à velhice.
  • Direitos na velhice.
  • Lares de velhice.
  • Solidão na velhice.

Philosophy/Literature

  • O sentido da velhice.
  • Beleza na velhice.
  • O medo da velhice.
  • Reflexões sobre a velhice.

بدايات محادثة

"Como você imagina que será a sua velhice?"

"Você acha que a velhice é respeitada no seu país?"

"Qual é o segredo para uma velhice feliz?"

"Você tem medo da velhice ou aceita-a bem?"

"O que você quer estar fazendo quando a velhice chegar?"

مواضيع للكتابة اليومية

Escreva sobre como você imagina o seu dia a dia na velhice.

Descreva uma pessoa que você admira pela forma como vive a sua velhice.

Reflita sobre a frase: 'A velhice é um posto'. Você concorda?

Quais são os maiores desafios que a velhice traz para uma pessoa?

Como a sociedade pode melhorar a vida das pessoas na velhice?

الأسئلة الشائعة

10 أسئلة

No, it is not rude, but it is very direct. In social settings, many people prefer 'terceira idade' to sound more polite or positive. However, 'velhice' is perfectly acceptable in most contexts.

You would say 'Estou na minha velhice' or more commonly 'Estou na terceira idade'.

Not really. For a car, you should say 'O carro é velho' or talk about its 'antiguidade'. 'Velhice' is almost exclusively for humans.

The most common opposite is 'juventude' (youth). 'Infância' (childhood) is also an opposite.

It is feminine: 'a velhice'.

The suffix is '-ice', which is used to create abstract nouns from adjectives.

No, 'senilidade' is the Portuguese word for senility. 'Velhice' is the broader, neutral term for old age.

It is a palatal lateral sound. Place your tongue against the roof of your mouth, similar to the 'lli' in 'brilliant'.

Yes, 'velhices', but it is rare. It might be used in a phrase like 'as diferentes velhices' (the different ways of experiencing old age).

Yes, you can use 'envelhecer' (to grow old) or the phrase 'chegar à velhice'.

اختبر نفسك 177 أسئلة

writing

Escreva uma frase sobre o que você quer fazer na sua velhice.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Diga a palavra 'velhice' três vezes com sotaque brasileiro.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Ouça a frase: 'Ele tem uma velhice feliz'. Qual é o adjetivo?

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Descreva seu avô ou avó usando a palavra 'velhice'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Compare a juventude com a velhice em duas frases.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Explique o que é 'velhice' em português.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Identifique a palavra 'velhice' nesta frase: 'O respeito à velhice é essencial'.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Quais são os problemas da velhice na sua opinião?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Como podemos ajudar as pessoas na velhice?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

O que você espera da sua velhice?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

O que a velhice ensina?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Descreva uma velhice ativa.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Quem você conhece que está na velhice?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Faça uma pergunta sobre a velhice.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Escreva um título para um livro sobre a velhice.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Descreva a velhice em uma palavra.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

O que você fará na sua velhice?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

O que a velhice significa para você?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Escreva sobre a velhice dos seus pais.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Como a velhice muda as pessoas?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

O que você faria se estivesse na velhice agora?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Escreva sobre a beleza da velhice.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Como você quer ser lembrado na sua velhice?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Qual é a sua memória favorita de uma pessoa na velhice?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

O que a velhice significa para a sociedade?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Como você vê a velhice no futuro?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

O que você diria para alguém na velhice?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Qual é a cor da velhice para você?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

O que você quer aprender na sua velhice?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Como a velhice é vista no seu país?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:

/ 177 correct

Perfect score!

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