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A2 noun 11 min read

veterano

Examples
Explanation veterano in your Level:
At the A1 level, you should learn 'veterano' as a simple noun to describe a person, specifically someone who was a soldier. It is a useful word when talking about family members, such as 'Mi abuelo es veterano'. At this stage, you don't need to worry about the metaphorical meanings. Just remember that it ends in 'o' for men and 'a' for women. It is a 'cognate', which means it looks and sounds like the English word 'veteran', making it very easy to remember. You will mostly use it with the verb 'ser' (to be) because being a veteran is a part of someone's identity. For example, 'Él es veterano'. You might also see it in very simple sentences about history or holidays. Focus on the spelling and the fact that it refers to a person with a lot of experience or past service. It is a respectful word, so it is good to use when meeting older people who have served their country. Always remember the plural form 'veteranos' for more than one person. Even at A1, knowing this word helps you describe people more accurately than just saying 'hombre' or 'viejo'. It adds a layer of detail to your basic Spanish descriptions.
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At the A2 level, you can begin to use 'veterano' as both a noun and an adjective. You should be able to describe not just soldiers, but also people who have a lot of experience in their jobs. For instance, 'un profesor veterano' (an experienced teacher). You will notice that 'veterano' usually comes after the noun it describes. You should also start to use it with prepositions like 'de', such as 'veterano de guerra' or 'veterano de la empresa'. At this level, you are learning more about the past tense, so you might say 'Él fue un veterano de la Segunda Guerra Mundial'. You should also be aware of the feminine form 'veterana' and use it correctly in sentences like 'Mi tía es una veterana de la marina'. You will encounter this word in simple news stories or short biographies. It is a key word for discussing professions and life history. You can also use it to compare people: 'Él es más veterano que yo' (He is more experienced/senior than I am). This helps you build more complex sentences and express respect for someone's long career or service. It's a great word to have in your vocabulary for social interactions with older adults.
At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'veterano' in a variety of contexts, including sports and professional environments. You will hear sports commentators calling a 35-year-old soccer player a 'jugador veterano'. This doesn't mean the player is 'old' in a general sense, but rather that they have many years of experience in the league. You should also start to recognize the word in more abstract contexts, such as 'un veterano de mil batallas', which is an idiom meaning someone who has been through many difficult situations in life. Your grammar should be precise, ensuring that 'veterano' agrees in gender and number with the subject. You might use it in the subjunctive mood when expressing opinions: 'Es importante que el equipo tenga un jugador veterano para liderar a los jóvenes'. You should also be able to distinguish 'veterano' from its synonyms like 'experimentado' or 'antiguo'. While they are similar, 'veterano' carries a stronger sense of 'having served' or 'having survived'. At this level, you can use the word to add flavor to your storytelling, describing characters not just by their age, but by their status and the wisdom they have acquired over time.
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At the B2 level, you should understand the social and political nuances of the word 'veterano'. In many Spanish-speaking countries, the treatment of 'veteranos de guerra' is a topic of public debate, involving pensions, healthcare, and recognition. You should be able to discuss these topics using the word accurately. You will also encounter 'veterano' in literature and higher-level journalism, where it might be used to describe an 'estilo veterano' (a seasoned style) or a 'político veterano' who is a master of political strategy. You should be able to use the word metaphorically without hesitation. For example, 'Soy un veterano en esto de las mudanzas' (I'm a veteran when it comes to moving houses). This shows a high level of fluency and an understanding of how Spanish speakers use the word in daily life to show expertise. You should also be aware of the historical context of the word, perhaps knowing that it relates to the Roman 'veteranus'. This level of understanding allows you to appreciate the word's depth. You can use it to contrast with 'novato' or 'principiante' in a debate about the merits of experience versus innovation. Your use of 'veterano' should feel natural and well-integrated into your broader vocabulary of status and experience.
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At the C1 level, you are expected to use 'veterano' with the precision of a native speaker. You should understand the subtle differences in tone it provides compared to 'senior', 'perito', or 'experimentado'. You might use it in academic writing to discuss the 'veteranos de las guerras de independencia' or in a professional critique of a 'veterano de la escena cinematográfica'. You should be sensitive to the word's ability to convey both respect and, occasionally, a hint of being 'outdated' depending on the context, though it is usually positive. You should be able to handle complex grammatical structures involving the word, such as 'A pesar de su condición de veterano, no se le otorgaron los beneficios correspondientes'. You can also explore the word's use in different Spanish-speaking regions, noticing if it is used more frequently in some areas than others. Your vocabulary should include idiomatic expressions like 'perro viejo' or 'tener colmillo', which are related to the concept of being a 'veterano'. At this level, the word is not just a label but a tool for nuanced expression, allowing you to characterize individuals with a single word that implies a lifetime of stories, struggles, and learned lessons.
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At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'veterano' and its place in the Spanish language's history and modern evolution. You can analyze its use in classical Spanish literature versus modern media. You understand how the word functions in various registers, from the highly formal military protocol to the colloquial jargon of a newsroom or a locker room. You can use 'veterano' to create sophisticated metaphors or to anchor a complex argument about the value of institutional memory. You might discuss the 'arquetipo del veterano' in storytelling—the wise mentor who has seen the horrors of war or the pressures of high-level business. You are aware of the legal definitions of 'veterano' in different jurisdictions and how those definitions affect social policy. Your use of the word is effortless, and you can play with its connotations to achieve specific rhetorical effects. Whether you are writing a formal speech, a technical report, or a creative piece, 'veterano' is a word you use with total confidence, knowing exactly how it will be perceived by a native audience. You might even use it to describe yourself in a self-deprecating or proud way, fully aware of the cultural weight the term carries.
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Examples

The Spanish word veterano is a versatile term that primarily refers to someone who has served in the military, but its utility extends far beyond the battlefield. Derived from the Latin veteranus, which itself comes from vetus (meaning 'old'), the word carries a connotation of experience, endurance, and time-tested skill. In a military context, a veterano de guerra is a person who has participated in armed conflict, whereas a general veterano might simply be someone who has completed their service. However, in modern Spanish, you will frequently hear this word applied to professionals, athletes, and even objects that have stood the test of time.

Military Usage
In the most literal sense, it identifies former members of the armed forces. It is a title of respect often used during national ceremonies such as the 'Día de los Veteranos'.

Mi abuelo es un veterano de la guerra civil que ahora vive en Madrid.

Professional Expertise
When applied to a career, it signifies someone who has been in the field for decades. A 'médico veterano' is not necessarily old in age, but rich in clinical experience.

Como periodista veterano, él sabe exactamente cómo verificar sus fuentes.

Sociologically, the word evokes a sense of nostalgia and authority. When a community refers to its 'miembros veteranos', it is acknowledging the foundational role these individuals have played. Unlike the word 'viejo' (old), which can sometimes be perceived as derogatory or focusing on physical decline, 'veterano' focuses on the accumulation of wisdom. It is a badge of honor. You might hear it used in politics to describe a 'senador veterano' who knows the intricacies of legislative procedure better than any newcomer. In the arts, a 'veterano de las tablas' refers to a seasoned theater actor. The term is deeply rooted in the idea of survival and mastery through repetition and time. Whether it is a soldier returning from a mission or a teacher retiring after forty years, the 'veterano' is someone who has 'seen it all'.

El equipo contrató a un defensa veterano para guiar a los jóvenes talentos.

Historical Context
Historically, Roman veterans were given land upon retirement, which helped spread the Latin language and culture—a legacy that persists in the very word we use today.

Los veteranos de las legiones romanas fundaron muchas ciudades en Hispania.

Ella es una veterana de la industria tecnológica.

Using veterano correctly requires an understanding of its dual role as both a noun and an adjective. As a noun, it functions like any other person-identifier. You can say 'El veterano recibió una medalla' (The veteran received a medal). As an adjective, it modifies a noun to indicate long-standing experience, such as 'un profesor veterano'. The flexibility of this word allows it to fit into formal military contexts as well as casual conversations about hobbies or work. One of the most important grammatical nuances is the agreement in gender and number. Since it refers to people, you must use veterano for a man, veterana for a woman, veteranos for a group of men or a mixed group, and veteranas for a group of women.

As a Noun
When used as a noun, it often takes an article (el, la, los, las). It is common in headlines and official documents.

El veterano caminaba con orgullo durante el desfile nacional.

As an Adjective
When modifying a noun, it usually follows the noun. For example, 'un actor veterano' emphasizes that the actor has a long career.

Necesitamos el consejo de un abogado veterano para este caso difícil.

In sentence construction, 'veterano' often pairs with the preposition 'de' to specify the area of expertise or the specific conflict. For instance, 'veterano de Vietnam' or 'veterano de mil batallas'. The latter is a common metaphorical phrase used to describe someone who has survived many hardships, not necessarily literal wars. In terms of verb pairings, it is most frequently used with the verb ser (to be) because being a veteran is considered a permanent characteristic or status. However, in the context of sports, one might say 'Se ha vuelto un veterano' (He has become a veteran) to indicate the passage of time and the acquisition of status. Another common construction is the use of 'como' to set a comparative or role-based tone: 'Habló como un veterano', meaning he spoke with the authority and wisdom of one.

Aunque es joven, juega como un auténtico veterano en la cancha.

Plural Forms
The plural 'veteranos' is used for collective groups, often seen in organizations like 'La Asociación de Veteranos'.

Los veteranos se reunieron para recordar sus días en el servicio.

Nuestra empresa valora la perspectiva de las veteranas en el equipo directivo.

The word veterano is ubiquitous in Spanish-speaking societies, appearing in news broadcasts, sports commentary, and everyday workplace dialogue. In Spain and Latin America, the military connotation is strong, particularly in countries with a history of conflict or mandatory military service. You will hear it in political speeches when leaders discuss social security, pensions, or healthcare for those who served. However, the most frequent daily encounter with the word likely occurs in the world of fútbol (soccer). Commentators use 'veterano' to describe a player who is no longer at their physical peak but compensates with 'oficio' (craftiness) and 'posicionamiento' (positioning). It is a term of high praise in this context, suggesting that the player is indispensable for their mental game.

In the News
Journalists use 'veterano' to describe seasoned politicians or diplomats, especially during complex negotiations where experience is paramount.

El veterano corresponsal de guerra informó desde la zona de conflicto.

In the Workplace
Colleagues use it to refer to the 'old guard'—those who have been with the company since its inception and know all the 'ins and outs'.

Pregúntale a Carmen; ella es una veterana en este departamento y sabe cómo funciona todo.

Furthermore, in the context of social movements, 'veteranos' refers to the original activists who fought for rights decades ago. For example, 'los veteranos del movimiento estudiantil' are those who led protests in the 60s or 70s. In the world of cinema and theater, awards are often given to 'actores veteranos' for their lifetime achievements. You will also see the word on monuments and plaques in public squares. In the United States, Spanish-speaking communities use the term 'Veterans Day' translated as 'Día de los Veteranos', making it a central part of the bilingual cultural fabric. Whether it's a 'veterano de la radio' or a 'veterano de las Malvinas', the word serves as a linguistic bridge between past efforts and present recognition. It is a word that commands a certain level of silence and respect when uttered in a serious context.

Muchos veteranos asistieron a la inauguración del nuevo monumento.

Cinematic References
Movie trailers often boast about a 'reparto veterano' (veteran cast) to signal to the audience that the acting will be of high quality.

La película cuenta con la participación de varios actores veteranos de Hollywood.

Es un coche veterano, pero todavía corre como el primer día.

While veterano is a cognate of the English word 'veteran', learners often stumble over its specific usage patterns in Spanish. The most frequent error is confusing 'veterano' with 'viejo'. While all veterans have some age to them, not all old people are veterans. Using 'viejo' when you mean 'veterano' can sound dismissive or even insulting, as 'viejo' focuses on the physical state of being old, whereas 'veterano' focuses on the status earned through experience. Another common mistake is failing to apply gender agreement. English speakers, used to the gender-neutral 'veteran', often forget to use 'veterana' for women, which is grammatically essential in Spanish.

Mistake: Confusing with 'Viejo'
Saying 'Es un médico viejo' implies he is simply elderly. Saying 'Es un médico veterano' implies he is highly experienced.

Incorrecto: Mi abuelo es un hombre viejo de guerra. (My grandfather is an old man of war.)
Correcto: Mi abuelo es un veterano de guerra.

Mistake: Gender Neglect
Using 'el veterano' for a female soldier is a common error for beginners.

Incorrecto: María es un veterano del ejército.
Correcto: María es una veterana del ejército.

A subtle mistake involves the use of prepositions. In English, we say 'a veteran of the war'. In Spanish, you must use 'de la guerra'. Sometimes learners omit the article, saying 'veterano de guerra', which is actually acceptable as a general title, but when referring to a specific conflict, the article is necessary: 'veterano de la Guerra de las Malvinas'. Furthermore, some learners use 'veterano' to describe someone who has just finished a task for the first time—this is incorrect. A veteran must have a long history. If someone just finished their first year of teaching, they are not a 'profesor veterano'; they are just an 'ex-principiante' or simply a 'profesor'. The term requires a significant duration of time, usually measured in years or decades. Finally, be careful with the word 'excombatiente'. While it is a synonym, it is strictly military. You cannot call a retired teacher an 'excombatiente' unless they actually fought in a war.

Incorrecto: Es un veterano de este primer semestre.
Correcto: Es un estudiante que ya terminó el primer semestre.

False Friend Warning
In some contexts, 'veteran' in English can mean 'expert'. While 'veterano' implies expertise, 'experto' or 'perito' are often better choices if you are focusing purely on skill rather than time served.

Él es un experto en informática, no necesariamente un veterano.

El perro veterano ya no corre tras la pelota como antes.

To truly master the concept of veterano, it is helpful to explore its synonyms and related terms, each of which carries a slightly different weight. Depending on whether you are in a military, professional, or casual setting, you might choose a different word to express 'experience' or 'past service'. The most direct military synonym is excombatiente, which literally means 'ex-combatant'. This is a more technical term often used in legal and historical texts. If you are focusing on someone's skill level, experimentado is a fantastic alternative. It translates to 'experienced' and is neutral, making it perfect for resumes and formal introductions. For someone who is a master of their craft, perito or maestro might be more appropriate.

Veterano vs. Excombatiente
'Veterano' is a broad term for anyone who served. 'Excombatiente' specifically implies they were in the line of fire.

El excombatiente escribió un libro sobre sus experiencias en las trincheras.

Veterano vs. Experimentado
'Veterano' emphasizes the time spent; 'experimentado' emphasizes the skills gained during that time.

Buscamos a un programador experimentado para liderar el proyecto.

In a sports context, you might hear the term consagrado. A 'jugador consagrado' is a veteran who has not only played for a long time but has also achieved great success and recognition. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the antonyms are novato (rookie/novice) and principiante (beginner). Understanding these opposites helps define the boundaries of 'veterano'. A 'novato' is full of energy but lacks the 'colmillo' (wisdom/cunning) that a 'veterano' possesses. In the business world, a 'becario' (intern) is the furthest thing from a 'veterano'. Another interesting related word is antiguo. While usually meaning 'old' for objects, when used with people in a company ('el más antiguo'), it means the person with the most seniority, which is a near-synonym for 'veterano' in a corporate setting.

A pesar de ser un novato, mostró una madurez propia de un veterano.

Senior vs. Veterano
In modern corporate Spanish, the English word 'Senior' is often used as a job title, but 'veterano' remains the preferred word for general description.

Es el empleado más antiguo de la fábrica; es todo un veterano.

Muchos jubilados son veteranos de las fuerzas armadas.

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Examples by Level

1

Mi abuelo es un veterano.

My grandfather is a veteran.

Simple subject-verb-complement structure with 'ser'.

2

El veterano tiene una medalla.

The veteran has a medal.

Use of the definite article 'el' with the noun.

3

Ella es una veterana.

She is a veteran.

Feminine form 'veterana' matches the subject 'ella'.

4

Los veteranos son valientes.

The veterans are brave.

Plural agreement between 'veteranos' and 'valientes'.

5

Yo no soy veterano.

I am not a veteran.

Negative sentence structure with 'no'.

6

Es un hombre veterano.

He is a veteran man.

Using 'veterano' as an adjective after the noun 'hombre'.

7

Muchas gracias, veterano.

Thank you very much, veteran.

Used as a direct address or title.

8

Él es un veterano de guerra.

He is a war veteran.

The preposition 'de' specifies the type of veteran.

1

El profesor veterano explica muy bien.

The veteran teacher explains very well.

Adjective 'veterano' modifying the noun 'profesor'.

2

Mi tía es veterana de la marina.

My aunt is a veteran of the navy.

Feminine agreement 'veterana' and specific branch of service.

3

Vimos a muchos veteranos en el desfile.

We saw many veterans in the parade.

Direct object 'veteranos' after the verb 'ver'.

4

Es un coche veterano pero funciona.

It is a veteran car but it works.

Metaphorical use of 'veterano' for an old object.

5

El médico veterano tiene mucha paciencia.

The veteran doctor has a lot of patience.

Noun-adjective agreement in a professional context.

6

Los veteranos de la empresa están felices.

The veterans of the company are happy.

Using 'veterano' to mean long-term employees.

7

Ella es una veterana en este deporte.

She is a veteran in this sport.

Indicates long-term participation in a hobby or sport.

8

Hablamos con un veterano de la revolución.

We spoke with a veteran of the revolution.

Specifying a historical event with 'de la'.

1

El equipo necesita un jugador veterano para ganar.

The team needs a veteran player to win.

Expressing a need with the adjective 'veterano'.

2

Como veterano, él conoce todos los trucos.

As a veteran, he knows all the tricks.

Using 'como' to establish a role or status.

3

La asociación ayuda a los veteranos sin hogar.

The association helps homeless veterans.

Collective noun 'veteranos' in a social context.

4

Ella se siente como una veterana después de diez años.

She feels like a veteran after ten years.

Reflexive verb 'sentirse' with the noun 'veterana'.

5

Es un periodista veterano de mil batallas.

He is a veteran journalist of a thousand battles.

Idiomatic expression for someone very experienced.

6

Los veteranos recibieron un homenaje en la plaza.

The veterans received a tribute in the square.

Passive-like structure where veterans are the recipients.

7

Buscamos a una enfermera veterana para el turno nocturno.

We are looking for a veteran nurse for the night shift.

Adjective modifying a profession in a job search.

8

Aunque es veterano, sigue aprendiendo cosas nuevas.

Although he is a veteran, he keeps learning new things.

Concessive clause with 'aunque'.

1

El discurso del veterano conmovió a toda la audiencia.

The veteran's speech moved the entire audience.

Possessive structure 'del veterano' (de + el).

2

Se requiere un enfoque veterano para resolver este conflicto.

A veteran approach is required to resolve this conflict.

Abstract use of 'veterano' to describe an approach or strategy.

3

La veterana de guerra compartió sus memorias en un libro.

The war veteran shared her memoirs in a book.

Noun used in the context of intellectual production.

4

Muchos veteranos sufren de estrés postraumático.

Many veterans suffer from post-traumatic stress.

Discussing medical and social issues related to veterans.

5

Es un político veterano que sabe negociar bajo presión.

He is a veteran politician who knows how to negotiate under pressure.

Characterizing a professional's specific skills.

6

El equipo de veteranos ganó el torneo regional.

The veterans' team won the regional tournament.

Using 'equipo de veteranos' as a specific category.

7

Ella es considerada una veterana en la lucha por los derechos civiles.

She is considered a veteran in the struggle for civil rights.

Passive construction 'es considerada'.

8

Los beneficios para los veteranos han sido aumentados este año.

Benefits for veterans have been increased this year.

Subject of a formal, passive sentence.

1

Su mirada veterana delataba años de duras experiencias.

His veteran gaze betrayed years of hard experiences.

Using 'veterana' as a descriptive adjective for a body part (metonymy).

2

La veteranía es un grado en esta profesión tan competitiva.

Experience is a rank in this very competitive profession.

Using the related noun 'veteranía' (experience/seniority).

3

Incluso para un veterano como él, la noticia fue impactante.

Even for a veteran like him, the news was shocking.

Using 'incluso para' to emphasize the veteran's resilience.

4

El actor veterano se despidió de los escenarios con una ovación.

The veteran actor said goodbye to the stage with an ovation.

Describing a career milestone.

5

No debemos ignorar el consejo de los veteranos de la tribu.

We must not ignore the advice of the tribe's veterans.

Used in an anthropological or traditional context.

6

Es una veterana de la escena 'underground' madrileña.

She is a veteran of the Madrid 'underground' scene.

Cultural slang and specific context.

7

La reinserción de los veteranos en la vida civil es compleja.

The reintegration of veterans into civilian life is complex.

Formal sociological terminology.

8

Su estilo, aunque veterano, sigue siendo innovador.

His style, though veteran, remains innovative.

Using the adjective to describe an abstract concept (style).

1

La narrativa del veterano trasciende el mero relato bélico.

The veteran's narrative transcends mere war stories.

High-level literary analysis.

2

Se erigió un monumento en honor a los veteranos olvidados.

A monument was erected in honor of the forgotten veterans.

Use of the reflexive passive 'se erigió'.

3

Su condición de veterana le otorga una autoridad moral indiscutible.

Her status as a veteran grants her an indisputable moral authority.

Abstract noun 'condición' followed by 'de veterana'.

4

El veterano de las letras hispanas recibió el Premio Cervantes.

The veteran of Hispanic letters received the Cervantes Prize.

Metaphorical use in the field of literature.

5

Analizamos la psique del veterano a través de sus cartas.

We analyze the veteran's psyche through his letters.

Academic psychological context.

6

La veteranía no siempre es sinónimo de sabiduría, pero ayuda.

Seniority is not always synonymous with wisdom, but it helps.

Philosophical comparison.

7

Los veteranos de la resistencia mantuvieron viva la llama de la libertad.

The veterans of the resistance kept the flame of freedom alive.

Poetic and historical register.

8

Es un veterano curtido en mil lides diplomáticas.

He is a veteran seasoned in a thousand diplomatic battles.

Use of the archaic/literary word 'lides' (battles/struggles).

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This Word in Other Languages

veterano Portuguese
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