Cette page dans ta langue

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A2 adjective 11 min de lecture

antiguo/a

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces antiguo/a en 30 secondes

Explication antiguo/a in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'antiguo' as a basic word for 'old' or 'ancient,' specifically for objects and places. You will mostly use it to describe historical sites like 'pirámides antiguas' (ancient pyramids) or 'ciudades antiguas' (ancient cities). It is important to remember that 'antiguo' changes to 'antigua' for feminine nouns and adds an 's' for plural (antiguos, antiguas). At this stage, don't worry too much about the 'former' meaning; focus on using it to describe things that have been around for a long time. You might use it when talking about your house or things you see on vacation. Remember: 'una casa antigua' is an old house. Just keep it simple and practice the gender agreement, which is the most common mistake for beginners. You will often see this word in travel brochures or basic history texts. It's a great word to make your descriptions sound more interesting than just using 'viejo' all the time.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

At the A2 level, you begin to expand your use of 'antiguo' to include the 'former' meaning, though you should still focus primarily on the 'ancient/antique' sense. You will start using it in the 'Casco Antiguo' context when talking about city layouts or directions. You should also be able to use it to describe possessions that you used to have, like 'mi antiguo coche' (my former/previous car). This is where the position of the adjective starts to matter. If you put it before the noun, you are talking about something you had before. If you put it after, you are talking about something that is very old. You will also encounter 'antiguo' in the context of 'El Antiguo Testamento' if you study religious or cultural texts. Practice using it to describe your previous schools, jobs, or homes to get comfortable with the 'former' nuance. This level is about moving beyond just 'old' and starting to use 'antiguo' for its specific historical and chronological meanings.

At the B1 level, you should have a firm grasp of the meaning shift based on adjective placement. You should be able to confidently distinguish between 'un antiguo amigo' (a former friend) and 'un amigo antiguo' (a long-time friend). You will also start using the phrase 'a la antigua' to describe doing things in an old-fashioned way, which is common in conversational Spanish. You should be able to use 'antiguo' in more complex sentences involving historical analysis, such as discussing 'las civilizaciones antiguas' and their impact on modern society. Your vocabulary should also include the adverbial phrase 'desde antiguo' to describe traditions that have existed for a long time. At this stage, you should also be careful not to use 'antiguo' for people's age, opting instead for 'anciano' or 'persona mayor.' You are now using the word to add flavor and precision to your speech, moving away from the more generic 'viejo.'

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

At the B2 level, you use 'antiguo' with nuance in professional and academic settings. You are expected to use it correctly when discussing 'antiguos alumnos' (alumni) or 'antiguos regímenes' (former regimes) in political or historical discussions. You should understand the subtle difference between 'antiguo' and synonyms like 'arcaico' or 'remoto.' For example, you would know that 'lenguaje arcaico' implies something that is no longer used, while 'lengua antigua' might just refer to a language from a previous era like Latin. You can use 'antiguo' to create a sense of nostalgia or to set a specific historical scene in your writing. You should also be comfortable using it in the plural as a noun: 'Los antiguos' (The ancients). This level requires you to integrate 'antiguo' into your broader understanding of Spanish history and culture, using it to discuss art, architecture, and social changes with precision and correct grammatical agreement.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

At the C1 level, your use of 'antiguo' is sophisticated and versatile. You can use it in literary analysis to discuss themes of time and decay, perhaps using more obscure synonyms like 'vetusto' to vary your prose. You understand the historical weight of 'El Antiguo Régimen' and can use it in socio-political debates. You are also aware of the idiomatic uses and can use 'antiguo' to describe people's mindsets ('es una persona de ideas antiguas'). You can handle the word in all its forms and placements without hesitation, using it to add texture to your descriptions. You might use 'antiguo' in complex hypothetical sentences or when discussing the evolution of the Spanish language itself. Your ability to choose 'antiguo' over 'viejo' or 'anterior' based on the subtle emotional or formal tone of the conversation is a hallmark of this level. You are now a master of the word's nuances and can use it to express complex ideas about history and personal identity.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

At the C2 level, you have a near-native command of 'antiguo.' You can use it in any register, from the most formal academic writing to the most casual slang (where you might use it ironically). You understand its etymology from the Latin 'antiquus' and how that history informs its current usage. You can use 'antiguo' to make profound observations about the nature of time, tradition, and change. You are comfortable with archaic or highly formal structures like 'desde muy antiguo' or using 'antiguo' in legal or bureaucratic contexts where it refers to seniority or precedence. You can effortlessly switch between 'antiguo' and its many synonyms to achieve the exact rhetorical effect you desire. Whether you are writing a thesis on 'La Edad Antigua' or telling a story about an 'antiguo amor,' you use the word with perfect precision, reflecting a deep cultural and linguistic immersion in the Spanish-speaking world.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

antiguo/a en 30 secondes

Means 'ancient' or 'antique' when describing age.
Means 'former' or 'previous' when placed before a noun.
Used for historical sites, old traditions, and former roles.
Changes form to match gender and number (antiguo/a/os/as).

The Spanish adjective antiguo (masculine) and antigua (feminine) is a multifaceted word that primarily serves two distinct purposes in the Spanish language: describing things that belong to the distant past and identifying roles or possessions that are no longer current. Unlike the English word 'old,' which is often translated as 'viejo,' antiguo carries a sense of prestige, history, or chronological precedence that 'viejo' sometimes lacks. When you use antiguo, you are often signaling that something is 'ancient,' 'antique,' or 'former.'

Historical Context: In a historical sense, it refers to civilizations, buildings, or artifacts that date back centuries. It is the standard word for 'Ancient' as in 'Ancient Rome' (La Antigua Roma).

Me encanta caminar por el casco antiguo de la ciudad.

Translation: I love walking through the old quarter (historic center) of the city.

One of the most critical aspects of antiguo is its behavior depending on its position relative to the noun. This is a common feature in Spanish adjectives, where placement changes the meaning. If you place antiguo before the noun, it usually means 'former' or 'previous.' If you place it after the noun, it usually means 'ancient' or 'very old.'

The 'Former' Nuance: When you speak about your 'antiguo jefe' (former boss), you aren't saying he is 90 years old; you are saying he is the person who used to be your boss.

Furthermore, antiguo is the go-to word for 'antique.' If you are shopping for furniture that has value because of its age, you are looking for 'muebles antiguos.' Using 'muebles viejos' might imply the furniture is just worn out or ready for the trash, whereas antiguo implies a certain level of preservation or historical significance. This distinction is vital for learners to grasp to avoid accidental insults or misunderstandings.

Esta es una moneda antigua del siglo dieciocho.

Common Usage: You will hear this word in museums, real estate listings, history classes, and when people discuss their personal history, such as old friends or former residences.

In everyday conversation, you might hear the phrase 'a la antigua,' which means 'old-fashioned' or 'the old way.' This can be used for cooking methods, romantic gestures, or even business practices. It often carries a nostalgic or appreciative tone, suggesting that the old ways have a quality that modern ways lack.

Mi antiguo coche era mucho más pequeño que este.

Las civilizaciones antiguas tenían conocimientos astronómicos avanzados.

Mastering the use of antiguo requires an understanding of how its position affects the meaning of the sentence. This is one of the most interesting grammatical features for English speakers, as English usually relies on different words ('former' vs. 'ancient') rather than word order. Let's break down the two primary patterns with detailed examples and explanations.

Pattern 1: Before the Noun (Meaning 'Former'): When antiguo precedes the noun, it indicates a change in status. It refers to something that used to be but is no longer. This is very common in professional or relational contexts.

Mi antiguo socio decidió abrir su propia empresa.

Translation: My former partner decided to open his own company.

In this example, 'antiguo socio' doesn't mean the partner is old in age; it means the partnership has ended. Similarly, 'mi antigua casa' refers to the house you lived in previously, regardless of whether that house was built last year or a century ago.

Pattern 2: After the Noun (Meaning 'Ancient' or 'Antique'): When antiguo follows the noun, it describes the physical age or historical era of the object. This is the descriptive use that highlights the passage of time.

Compramos una mesa antigua en el mercado de pulgas.

Translation: We bought an antique table at the flea market.

Here, 'mesa antigua' tells us about the table's age. If we said 'antigua mesa,' it would imply 'the table we used to have,' which would sound strange in the context of buying a new (to us) item at a market.

Another important usage is in the plural form to describe 'the ancients' or 'ancestors' in a general sense. 'Los antiguos creían que...' (The ancients believed that...). This usage is common in academic or philosophical writing. Additionally, when describing cities, 'el casco antiguo' is a set phrase meaning 'the old town' or 'historic district,' which you will see on every tourist map in Spain and Latin America.

Los antiguos pobladores de esta zona eran expertos agricultores.

Grammar Check: Agreement: Always match the gender and number. 'Un edificio antiguo' (masculine singular), 'una iglesia antigua' (feminine singular), 'unos libros antiguos' (masculine plural), 'unas monedas antiguas' (feminine plural).

Finally, consider the adverbial phrase 'desde antiguo.' While slightly more formal, it means 'from long ago' or 'since ancient times.' For example: 'Esta tradición se mantiene desde antiguo.' This adds a layer of timelessness to your Spanish that simple words like 'siempre' (always) don't quite capture.

Es un antiguo proverbio chino que todavía es relevante hoy.

In the Spanish-speaking world, antiguo is a word that bridges the gap between the mundane and the majestic. You will encounter it in various settings, ranging from high-brow academic lectures to casual conversations about one's past life. Understanding these contexts will help you use the word more naturally.

Tourism and Travel: If you travel to Spain, Mexico, Peru, or any country with a deep history, you will see 'Casco Antiguo' or 'Ciudad Antigua' on signs. This refers to the historical heart of the city, usually characterized by cobblestone streets and colonial architecture.

El hotel está ubicado en un antiguo convento del siglo diecisiete.

In this context, the word is a selling point. It suggests charm, character, and history. Real estate agents use antiguo to describe properties that have 'good bones' or historical value, whereas they might avoid the word 'viejo' because it sounds like the building is falling apart.

Professional and Social Circles: When people introduce someone from their past, they often use 'antiguo.' For instance, 'Él es un antiguo alumno mío' (He is a former student of mine). It establishes a timeline of the relationship without being overly technical.

You will also hear antiguo in the world of art and collectibles. An 'anticuario' is an antique dealer, and they deal exclusively in 'objetos antiguos.' Here, the word is synonymous with value. In contrast, 'objetos viejos' might just be junk. If you go to a 'rastro' (flea market) in Madrid, you'll hear vendors shouting about their 'libros antiguos' (antique books) to attract collectors.

Colecciono mapas antiguos de América Latina.

Media and Literature: Documentaries about history will frequently use terms like 'el mundo antiguo' (the ancient world) or 'costumbres antiguas' (ancient customs). It sets a tone of gravity and respect for the past.

In literature, authors use antiguo to evoke nostalgia or to contrast the present with a lost era. A character might visit their 'antigua escuela' and feel a sense of melancholy. The word acts as a bridge between the person they are now and the person they once were.

Según las antiguas leyendas, este bosque está encantado.

Mi abuela todavía cocina a la antigua, sin usar el microondas.

While antiguo is a versatile word, English speakers often fall into several traps when learning to use it. The most common issues involve confusion with synonyms, adjective placement, and gender agreement. Understanding these pitfalls will make your Spanish sound much more sophisticated and accurate.

Mistake 1: Antiguo vs. Viejo: This is the biggest hurdle. English uses 'old' for almost everything. However, in Spanish, viejo can sometimes be pejorative, implying something is worn out or useless. Antiguo is usually more positive or neutral, implying history or value. Calling someone's house 'una casa vieja' might be an insult, while 'una casa antigua' is a compliment.

Incorrect: Mi abuelo es muy antiguo.

Note: You generally don't use 'antiguo' for people to mean they are old in age. Use 'mayor' (respectful) or 'viejo' (informal).

If you say a person is antiguo, it usually means they have 'old-fashioned' ideas, not that they are chronologically old. To say someone is old in age, use 'una persona mayor' (an elderly person).

Mistake 2: The Meaning Shift with Placement: As discussed, 'un antiguo amigo' is a former friend, while 'un amigo antiguo' is a friend you've had for a long time. Students often mix these up, leading to confusion about the current status of the relationship.

Another error is forgetting that antiguo is an adjective that must change for gender and number. It's easy to stick to the masculine singular form, but saying 'las ciudades antiguo' is a clear grammatical error that jars the listener's ear.

Mistake 3: Overusing it for 'Previous': While antiguo means 'former,' it's best for long-term changes. For things that just happened recently, 'anterior' is often a better choice. For example, 'la página anterior' (the previous page) sounds better than 'la página antigua.'

En mi antiguo barrio, todos se conocían.

Finally, be careful with the phrase 'a la antigua.' Some learners try to say 'en la forma antigua,' but 'a la antigua' is the idiomatic standard. Using the literal translation sounds robotic and non-native.

Incorrect: Este software es antiguo.

Better: Este software es obsoleto o viejo.

To truly master Spanish, you need to know when antiguo is the best choice and when another word might fit the context better. Here is a breakdown of synonyms and related terms that will help you refine your vocabulary.

Viejo/a (Old): The most common alternative. Use this for age in a general sense. While 'antiguo' implies history, 'viejo' implies duration or wear and tear. A 'viejo amigo' is a long-time friend; an 'antiguo amigo' is someone you are no longer friends with.

Anciano/a (Elderly): Use this exclusively for people. It is a respectful way to refer to someone of advanced age. Never use 'antiguo' for a person's age.

El anciano cruzaba la calle con cuidado.

For historical contexts, you might use ancestral or milenario. These words carry even more weight than antiguo. 'Ancestral' refers to things inherited from ancestors, while 'milenario' literally means 'thousands of years old.'

Arcaico/a (Archaic): Use this for something that is so old it is no longer useful or is very primitive. It often has a slightly negative or technical connotation, like 'lenguaje arcaico' (archaic language).

In terms of opposites, nuevo (new) is the most direct. However, depending on the context, you might use moderno (modern), actual (current), or reciente (recent). If you are talking about an 'antiguo sistema,' the opposite is the 'sistema actual.'

Este es un método moderno comparado con el sistema antiguo.

Remoto/a (Remote/Distant): Often used with 'pasado' (past) to mean a very long time ago. 'En un pasado remoto' sounds more poetic than just 'hace mucho tiempo.'

Finally, the word vetusto is a literary synonym for antiguo. You won't hear it in the street, but you will see it in novels. It describes something very old and somewhat decaying, like a 'vetusto caserón' (an ancient, crumbling mansion).

La ciudad milenaria atrae a miles de turistas cada año.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The word 'antiguo' shares the same root as the English word 'antique' and 'antic'. An 'antic' originally referred to the strange, 'ancient' styles of Roman art found in ruins.

Guide de prononciation

UK /anˈti.ɡwo/

US /ænˈti.ɡwoʊ/

The stress is on the second syllable: an-TI-guo.

Rime avec

contiguo ambiguo exiguo atestiguo apaciguo amortiguo santiguo averiguo

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'gui' as 'gee' (it should be 'gwo').
Stressing the first or last syllable.
Failing to pronounce the 'u' sound in the last syllable.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to recognize due to the English cognate 'antique'.

Écriture 3/5

Requires attention to gender agreement and placement.

Expression orale 3/5

The meaning shift based on position can be tricky to remember in real-time.

Écoute 2/5

Clear pronunciation, usually easy to catch.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

viejo nuevo historia antes pasado

Apprends ensuite

arcaico remoto milenario anterior actual

Avancé

vetusto ancestral antigüedad anticuario antigualla

Grammaire à connaître

Adjective placement meaning shift

Antiguo amigo (former) vs. Amigo antiguo (long-time).

Gender and number agreement

La mesa antigua, los libros antiguos.

Use of 'lo' with adjectives

Lo antiguo es a veces mejor que lo nuevo.

Adverb formation with -mente

Antiguamente, la gente no tenía internet.

Comparative structures

Esta iglesia es más antigua que el ayuntamiento.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

Exemples par niveau

Roma es una ciudad antigua.

Rome is an ancient city.

Antigua is feminine because ciudad is feminine.

Tengo un libro muy antiguo.

I have a very old book.

Antiguo is masculine because libro is masculine.

Las pirámides son antiguas.

The pyramids are ancient.

Antiguas is feminine plural because pirámides is feminine plural.

Mi casa es antigua.

My house is old.

Antigua follows the noun to describe its age.

Hay muchos castillos antiguos en España.

There are many ancient castles in Spain.

Antiguos matches castillos (masculine plural).

Esta moneda es antigua.

This coin is ancient.

Antigua describes the coin's historical age.

Me gusta la música antigua.

I like ancient/old music.

Describes a genre or era of music.

El museo tiene arte antiguo.

The museum has ancient art.

Antiguo describes the category of art.

Mi antiguo profesor vive en Madrid.

My former teacher lives in Madrid.

Antiguo before the noun means 'former'.

Fuimos al casco antiguo de la ciudad.

We went to the old town of the city.

Casco antiguo is a set phrase for 'old town'.

Ella vende muebles antiguos.

She sells antique furniture.

Antiguos after the noun means 'antique' or 'very old'.

Mi antigua casa era más grande.

My former house was bigger.

Antigua before the noun means 'previous' or 'former'.

Estudiamos la historia antigua en la escuela.

We study ancient history at school.

Historia antigua is the standard term for ancient history.

Él es un antiguo alumno de esta universidad.

He is a former student (alumnus) of this university.

Antiguo indicates he used to be a student there.

Esta es una tradición muy antigua.

This is a very old tradition.

Antigua describes the age of the tradition.

Mi antigua oficina estaba cerca del parque.

My former office was near the park.

Antigua means the office you used to have.

Cocino la pasta a la antigua, como mi abuela.

I cook pasta the old-fashioned way, like my grandmother.

'A la antigua' is an idiom meaning 'old-fashioned'.

Un antiguo amigo me llamó ayer por teléfono.

A former friend called me on the phone yesterday.

Antiguo before amigo implies they are no longer friends.

Tengo un amigo antiguo que vive en Londres.

I have a long-time friend who lives in London.

Antiguo after amigo implies the friendship has lasted a long time.

Esta costumbre existe desde antiguo en este pueblo.

This custom has existed since ancient times in this town.

'Desde antiguo' means 'since long ago'.

El antiguo régimen cayó tras la revolución.

The former regime fell after the revolution.

Antiguo refers to the previous political system.

Prefiero las cartas antiguas a los correos electrónicos.

I prefer old letters to emails.

Antiguas describes the age and style of the letters.

Mi antiguo jefe era muy estricto con el horario.

My former boss was very strict with the schedule.

Antiguo indicates the person who used to be the boss.

Es un mapa antiguo que muestra rutas comerciales.

It is an ancient map that shows trade routes.

Antiguo describes the map's historical nature.

Los antiguos creían que la Tierra era el centro del universo.

The ancients believed that the Earth was the center of the universe.

'Los antiguos' acts as a noun meaning 'ancient people'.

Se mudaron a su antigua residencia en el campo.

They moved back to their former residence in the country.

Antigua refers to the place they previously lived.

El edificio conserva su antigua fachada de piedra.

The building preserves its old stone facade.

Antigua refers to the original, historical appearance.

Es un antiguo proverbio cuya sabiduría aún es válida.

It is an ancient proverb whose wisdom is still valid.

Antiguo emphasizes the long history of the saying.

Mi antiguo socio y yo todavía nos llevamos bien.

My former partner and I still get along well.

Antiguo describes the previous business relationship.

La ciudad fue construida sobre un antiguo asentamiento.

The city was built on an ancient settlement.

Antiguo describes the historical site.

Ella tiene una colección de cámaras antiguas.

She has a collection of antique cameras.

Antiguas describes the collectible nature of the cameras.

El antiguo esplendor de la ciudad se ha perdido.

The former splendor of the city has been lost.

Antiguo refers to the glory the city once had.

El concepto de honor en la antigua Grecia era complejo.

The concept of honor in ancient Greece was complex.

'La antigua Grecia' is the proper historical term.

Su discurso evocaba un antiguo sentimiento de patriotismo.

His speech evoked a long-standing feeling of patriotism.

Antiguo adds emotional depth and historical weight.

La ley se basa en un antiguo principio de justicia.

The law is based on an ancient principle of justice.

Antiguo refers to the foundational nature of the principle.

A pesar de ser joven, tiene unos modales muy antiguos.

Despite being young, he has very old-fashioned manners.

Antiguos here means 'old-fashioned' or 'traditional'.

El manuscrito fue hallado en una antigua biblioteca monástica.

The manuscript was found in an ancient monastic library.

Antigua describes the age and historical type of library.

Mi antiguo yo no habría aceptado este desafío.

My former self would not have accepted this challenge.

Antiguo is used abstractly to refer to a past identity.

Es una zona de gran valor por sus restos antiguos.

It is an area of great value for its ancient remains.

Antiguos refers to archaeological findings.

La empresa ha retomado su antigua política de expansión.

The company has resumed its former expansion policy.

Antigua refers to a strategy used in the past.

La vetusta catedral se alzaba como un testigo antiguo de la historia.

The ancient cathedral stood as an ancient witness to history.

'Antiguo' is used alongside 'vetusta' for literary effect.

Se percibe en el ambiente una antigua melancolía.

A long-standing melancholy can be perceived in the atmosphere.

Antigua is used to describe a pervasive, historical mood.

El tratado apela a antiguos derechos territoriales.

The treaty appeals to ancient territorial rights.

Antiguos refers to rights established long ago.

Su erudición sobre el mundo antiguo es incomparable.

His erudition regarding the ancient world is incomparable.

'Mundo antiguo' is a formal academic term.

La lengua ha conservado giros gramaticales muy antiguos.

The language has preserved very ancient grammatical turns.

Antiguos refers to linguistic archaisms.

Desde tiempo antiguo, el hombre ha buscado respuestas en las estrellas.

Since ancient times, man has sought answers in the stars.

'Tiempo antiguo' is a poetic variation of 'desde antiguo'.

Reivindicaron su antigua gloria mediante el arte y la cultura.

They reclaimed their former glory through art and culture.

Antigua refers to a past state of excellence.

El filósofo analizó las antiguas virtudes frente a la ética moderna.

The philosopher analyzed ancient virtues against modern ethics.

Antiguas refers to classical ethical concepts.

Collocations courantes

Casco antiguo

Antiguo alumno

Antiguo Testamento

Mundo antiguo

Antiguo dueño

Ciudad antigua

Mueble antiguo

Antiguo régimen

Lengua antigua

Costumbre antigua

Phrases Courantes

A la antigua

— In the old-fashioned way.

Me gusta hacer las cosas a la antigua.

Desde antiguo

— Since a long time ago.

Esta fiesta se celebra desde antiguo.

Antiguo Egipto

— Ancient Egypt.

Me fascina la historia del Antiguo Egipto.

Antigua Grecia

— Ancient Greece.

La filosofía nació en la Antigua Grecia.

Antiguo compañero

— Former colleague or classmate.

Me encontré con un antiguo compañero de trabajo.

En tiempos antiguos

— In ancient times.

En tiempos antiguos, la gente viajaba a pie.

Muy antiguo

— Very old.

Este jarrón es muy antiguo.

Antiguo jefe

— Former boss.

Mi antiguo jefe me dio una recomendación.

Antigua Roma

— Ancient Rome.

La Antigua Roma fue un imperio vasto.

Antiguo novio

— Ex-boyfriend.

Vi a mi antiguo novio en el cine.

Souvent confondu avec

antiguo/a vs viejo

Viejo often implies wear and tear or poor condition, whereas antiguo implies historical value or age.

antiguo/a vs anciano

Anciano is only for people; antiguo is for objects, places, or former roles.

antiguo/a vs anterior

Anterior means 'previous' in a sequence; antiguo means 'former' in a more permanent sense.

Expressions idiomatiques

"A la antigua usanza"

— In the old-fashioned style or manner, often implying tradition and formality.

Se casaron a la antigua usanza.

formal/literary

"Más antiguo que el hilo negro"

— Extremely old; as old as the hills.

Ese chiste es más antiguo que el hilo negro.

informal

"De la antigua escuela"

— Old school; someone who adheres to traditional values or methods.

Mi abuelo es de la antigua escuela.

neutral

"Quedarse antiguo"

— To become outdated or obsolete.

Ese sistema de gestión se ha quedado antiguo.

neutral

"Ser un antiguo"

— To be an old-fashioned person (often used slightly mockingly).

No quieres usar redes sociales, ¡eres un antiguo!

informal

"Desde tiempos de Maricastaña"

— From a very long time ago (equivalent to 'since time immemorial').

Esa ley existe desde tiempos de Maricastaña.

informal/idiomatic

"Antiguo de días"

— A biblical reference to God; very ancient.

La visión del Antiguo de Días.

religious

"Hacerse el antiguo"

— To act older or more traditional than one actually is.

Deja de hacerte el antiguo y usa el GPS.

informal

"Lo antiguo"

— That which is old or traditional (used as a noun).

Prefiero lo antiguo a lo moderno.

neutral

"Viejos y antiguos"

— A phrase used to describe a mix of old and truly ancient things.

La tienda vende objetos viejos y antiguos.

neutral

Facile à confondre

antiguo/a vs Anticuado

Looks like antiguo.

Anticuado means 'outdated' or 'old-fashioned' in a negative way. Antiguo is usually more neutral or positive.

Su ropa es anticuada, pero su reloj es antiguo y valioso.

antiguo/a vs Anterior

Both can mean 'former'.

Anterior is used for the immediately preceding item in a sequence (the previous page). Antiguo is for a status that was held in the past (a former boss).

Mi antiguo jefe me llamó para hablar del anterior proyecto.

antiguo/a vs Viejo

Both translate to 'old'.

Viejo describes age and often condition. Antiguo describes age in a historical context or a former status.

Tengo un coche viejo (worn out) y una moneda antigua (historical).

antiguo/a vs Pasado

Both relate to the past.

Pasado is the general 'past'. Antiguo is a specific quality of being from the past.

En el pasado, la gente usaba métodos antiguos.

antiguo/a vs Remoto

Both mean 'distant past'.

Remoto implies a much greater distance in time or space than antiguo.

Es un antepasado de un tiempo remoto, mucho más antiguo que mi abuelo.

Structures de phrases

[Noun] + es + antiguo/a

El libro es antiguo.

Hay + [Noun Plural] + antiguos/as

Hay castillos antiguos.

Mi + antiguo/a + [Noun]

Mi antigua casa.

El casco antiguo de + [City]

El casco antiguo de Sevilla.

[Verb] + a la antigua

Cocinamos a la antigua.

Desde antiguo, + [Sentence]

Desde antiguo, se celebra esta fiesta.

Los antiguos + [Verb]

Los antiguos construyeron templos.

Un antiguo + [Noun] + de + [Person]

Un antiguo alumno de mi padre.

Famille de mots

Noms

antigüedad (antiquity/age)

anticuario (antique dealer)

antigualla (old junk/antique)

Verbes

antiguar (to make something look old - rare)

antiguarse (to become old-fashioned)

Adjectifs

antiguo/a (ancient/former)

antiquísimo/a (very ancient)

Apparenté

antepasado (ancestor)

anterior (previous)

antes (before)

anticuado (old-fashioned)

antigripal (unrelated but similar looking)

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour voir tous les exemples

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Very high in both written and spoken Spanish.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'antiguo' for a person's age. → Mi abuelo es una persona mayor.
'Antiguo' for people means 'old-fashioned' in their ways, not their chronological age.
Saying 'un amigo antiguo' when you mean a former friend. → Un antiguo amigo.
'Amigo antiguo' means a friend you've had for a long time. 'Antiguo amigo' means someone who is no longer your friend.
Forgetting gender agreement with feminine nouns. → La ciudad antigua.
Many students default to the masculine 'antiguo' even when the noun is feminine.
Using 'antiguo' for recently previous things like 'the previous page'. → La página anterior.
'Anterior' is better for items in a sequence; 'antiguo' is for more permanent former statuses.
Pronouncing 'antiguo' as 'antigo'. → an-TI-guo.
The 'u' must be pronounced as a semi-vowel in the diphthong 'uo'.

Astuces

Placement is Power

Always remember: Before = Former, After = Ancient. This simple rule will save you from many misunderstandings in Spanish.

Antiguo vs. Viejo

Use 'antiguo' for things you value or respect (antiques, history) and 'viejo' for things that are just old or worn out.

Casco Antiguo

When visiting a Spanish-speaking city, look for 'Casco Antiguo' on maps to find the most beautiful and historic parts of town.

A la antigua

Use this phrase to describe anything done in a traditional or nostalgic way. It's a very 'native' sounding expression.

Professional Resumes

When writing a CV in Spanish, use 'antiguo' to refer to your previous positions, such as 'antiguo director de ventas'.

The 'UO' Sound

Make sure to pronounce the 'u' and 'o' distinctly at the end. It should not sound like 'antigo' or 'antigee'.

Cognate Connection

Connect 'antiguo' with 'antique' in your mind. Both imply value and age.

Desde antiguo

Use 'desde antiguo' instead of 'desde hace mucho tiempo' to add a touch of formality and weight to your sentences.

Introducing Former Contacts

When introducing a former colleague, 'antiguo compañero' is the most natural and polite way to do it.

Ancient Civilizations

Always use 'antiguo/a' for historical periods: La Antigua Grecia, El Antiguo Egipto, La Antigua Roma.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of an 'Antique' ('antiguo') item that you 'Used' ('U') to have. The 'U' in 'antiguo' reminds you of the 'U' in 'Used to have' (former).

Association visuelle

Imagine an old Roman column (antiguo) standing next to a photo of your 'former' (antiguo) boss.

Word Web

Historia Pasado Muebles Roma Ex-jefe Tradición Museo Casco

Défi

Try to write three sentences: one about a former teacher, one about an ancient building, and one using the phrase 'a la antigua'.

Origine du mot

From the Latin 'antiquus', which means 'ancient', 'former', or 'old'. It is derived from 'ante' (before).

Sens originel : Coming before in time; belonging to a previous era.

Romance (Latin origin).

Contexte culturel

Be careful when using 'antiguo' for people. It's better to use 'persona mayor' for age and 'antiguo' only for former roles.

English speakers often use 'old' for everything. Learning to use 'antiguo' instead of 'viejo' will make you sound more respectful and precise.

El Antiguo Testamento (The Old Testament) La Antigua Roma (Ancient Rome) Casco Antiguo (Common name for historic districts in cities like Panama City or Seville)

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

History and Museums

civilizaciones antiguas
arte antiguo
objetos antiguos
historia antigua

Work and Professional Life

mi antiguo jefe
mi antiguo empleo
un antiguo socio
antiguo compañero

Tourism

el casco antiguo
la ciudad antigua
edificios antiguos
ruinas antiguas

Personal Past

mi antigua casa
mi antigua escuela
un antiguo amor
mi antiguo barrio

Style and Customs

a la antigua
costumbres antiguas
tradiciones antiguas
de la antigua escuela

Amorces de conversation

"¿Te gusta visitar el casco antiguo de las ciudades?"

"¿Qué es lo más antiguo que tienes en tu casa?"

"¿Todavía tienes contacto con tus antiguos compañeros de escuela?"

"¿Prefieres los muebles modernos o los antiguos?"

"¿Crees que las civilizaciones antiguas eran más sabias que nosotros?"

Sujets d'écriture

Describe tu antigua casa y qué es lo que más extrañas de ella.

Escribe sobre una tradición antigua que todavía se practica en tu familia.

Si pudieras viajar a la Antigua Roma o al Antiguo Egipto, ¿cuál elegirías?

¿Cómo ha cambiado tu vida desde tu antiguo trabajo hasta el actual?

Reflexiona sobre un objeto antiguo que tenga un valor sentimental para ti.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Generally, no. Using 'antiguo' for a person suggests they are 'old-fashioned' in their thinking. To say someone is old in age, use 'persona mayor' or 'anciano'.

No. When placed before a noun, it usually means 'former' or 'previous'. For example, 'mi antiguo coche' means the car I used to have, not necessarily an ancient car.

A 'viejo amigo' is a friend you have known for a long time. An 'amigo antiguo' is a former friend with whom you are likely no longer in contact.

Yes, usually. 'Una casa antigua' suggests a house with character and history. 'Una casa vieja' might suggest the house is in bad condition.

It is 'El Antiguo Testamento'. Note the use of the masculine form 'antiguo'.

Rarely. For technology, 'viejo' or 'obsoleto' is better. 'Antiguo' is reserved for things with historical or antique value.

It means 'the old-fashioned way' or 'traditionally'. It's very common when talking about cooking or social manners.

Yes, 'los antiguos' refers to 'the ancients' or people from ancient civilizations.

Yes, 'antiguo' is generally considered a more formal and precise word than 'viejo'.

It's the name of a country. 'Antigua' refers to the island, named after Santa María de la Antigua by Christopher Columbus.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour les astuces et notes