A veteran is someone who has gained deep experience through long service in the military or a specific profession.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A person who has served in the military.
- Someone with extensive experience in a specific field.
- A term denoting respect for long-term service or practice.
Panorama general
La palabra 'veterano' proviene del latín 'veteranus', derivado de 'vetus' (viejo). Aunque su uso principal se refiere a exmilitares, ha evolucionado para describir a cualquier persona que posee una larga trayectoria o experiencia práctica en una profesión, deporte o arte. Es un término que denota respeto y sabiduría acumulada a lo largo del tiempo. 2) Patrones de uso: Se emplea tanto como sustantivo masculino (el veterano) como femenino (la veterana). Cuando se usa en contextos no militares, suele ir acompañado de un complemento que especifica el área de experiencia, como 'veterano del periodismo' o 'veterano de la industria'. 3) Contextos comunes: En el ámbito militar, se utiliza en ceremonias, desfiles y servicios sociales para reconocer a quienes cumplieron su deber. En el ámbito profesional, es común escuchar a periodistas, deportistas o políticos ser llamados 'veteranos' para resaltar que conocen bien los retos de su sector. 4) Comparación de palabras: A diferencia de 'anciano' (que se refiere puramente a la edad cronológica), 'veterano' se centra en la experiencia y el servicio. Mientras que 'experto' es alguien con conocimientos técnicos, 'veterano' implica que ese conocimiento se ha forjado tras muchos años de práctica en el terreno.
Examples
Mi abuelo es un veterano de la guerra.
everydayMy grandfather is a war veteran.
El veterano periodista cubrió la noticia con gran precisión.
formalThe veteran journalist covered the news with great precision.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Veterano de mil batallas
A veteran of a thousand battles (idiomatic for someone very experienced).
Often Confused With
Anciano refers only to old age, whereas veterano emphasizes the experience gained through time.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word is generally used in neutral to formal registers. When referring to military personnel, it is highly formal. In casual conversation, it is commonly used to praise someone's long-standing skills.
Common Mistakes
English speakers often use 'veterano' only for soldiers. Remember it is widely used in sports and business to mean 'seasoned' or 'experienced'.
Tips
Use it for professional experience
You can use 'veterano' to describe a highly experienced professional. For example, 'Es un veterano del cine' means he is a seasoned filmmaker.
Do not confuse with 'old person'
Being a veteran is about experience, not just age. An old person is 'anciano', but a veteran is someone who has 'seen it all' in their field.
Respect the military connotation
In many Spanish-speaking countries, the term 'veterano' is used with high respect for those who fought in historical conflicts. Always use it with a respectful tone.
Word Origin
Derived from Latin 'veteranus', from 'vetus' meaning 'old'. It originally referred to soldiers who had served their full time.
Cultural Context
In many Hispanic cultures, military veterans are honored in public ceremonies. The term is also used in sports media to describe players who provide leadership to younger teammates.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'vet' (veteran) who has 'seen' a lot of years. The 'vet' is a 'veterano'.
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsAunque se asocia con la edad, en ámbitos informales como los deportes, a veces se llama 'veterano' a un jugador que, pese a no ser muy mayor, lleva muchos años compitiendo profesionalmente. Sin embargo, su uso principal sigue vinculado a una trayectoria larga.
Un militar activo es quien actualmente presta servicio en las fuerzas armadas. Un veterano es quien ya ha concluido su tiempo de servicio o ha sido dado de baja tras haber participado en la institución.
No, al contrario. Es un término que conlleva una carga de respeto y reconocimiento por los años dedicados a una causa o profesión.
Test Yourself
Tras veinte años en la empresa, es un verdadero ___ del sector.
El contexto de 'veinte años' indica una larga trayectoria, lo cual define a un veterano.
Score: /1
Summary
A veteran is someone who has gained deep experience through long service in the military or a specific profession.
- A person who has served in the military.
- Someone with extensive experience in a specific field.
- A term denoting respect for long-term service or practice.
Use it for professional experience
You can use 'veterano' to describe a highly experienced professional. For example, 'Es un veterano del cine' means he is a seasoned filmmaker.
Do not confuse with 'old person'
Being a veteran is about experience, not just age. An old person is 'anciano', but a veteran is someone who has 'seen it all' in their field.
Respect the military connotation
In many Spanish-speaking countries, the term 'veterano' is used with high respect for those who fought in historical conflicts. Always use it with a respectful tone.
Examples
2 of 2Mi abuelo es un veterano de la guerra.
My grandfather is a war veteran.
El veterano periodista cubrió la noticia con gran precisión.
The veteran journalist covered the news with great precision.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More military words
desertar
B2To abandon one's military duty or post.
heroicamente
B2In a heroic or very brave way.
mediar
B2To intervene between people in a dispute to bring about an agreement.
batalla
A2A fight between large armed forces.
ataque
A2An aggressive act to harm or defeat someone or something.
tanque
A2An armored military vehicle with a large gun.
herir
A2To cause physical harm or injury to.
alistar
A2To enroll or be enrolled in the armed forces.
crítico
A2Expressing adverse or disapproving comments or judgments; crucial.
decisivo
A2Producing a definite result; crucial.
