At the A1 level, you learn 'personne âgée' as a simple vocabulary item to describe people. You should focus on the fact that 'personne' is feminine, so you always use 'une' and 'âgée'. You will use it in basic sentences to describe your family or people you see in the street. For example, 'Ma grand-mère est une personne âgée'. It is important to distinguish this from 'vieux' (old), which you might learn earlier but should use carefully. At this stage, just remember it as a polite way to say someone is old. You might see it on signs in the bus or metro telling you to give up your seat. It is a foundational phrase for social interaction and basic descriptions of people in your community.
At the A2 level, you begin to use 'personne âgée' in more practical contexts, such as talking about health, daily routines, and social services. You will learn to form plural sentences like 'Les personnes âgées aiment marcher dans le parc'. You also start to see it used with other adjectives, such as 'une personne âgée gentille' or 'une personne âgée seule'. You are expected to understand that this is the polite term to use in a professional or public setting. You might encounter it in simple reading passages about French life or family structures. The focus here is on correct grammatical agreement and using the term in common daily scenarios, like helping someone or describing a neighbor.
At the B1 level, you use 'personne âgée' to discuss social issues and personal opinions. You might talk about the challenges of 'le troisième âge' or the importance of 'la solidarité intergénérationnelle' (intergenerational solidarity). You will use the term in more complex grammatical structures, such as 'Bien qu'elle soit une personne âgée, elle voyage beaucoup'. You should be able to understand news snippets or short articles about retirement or healthcare that use this term. At this level, you also learn synonyms like 'les seniors' or 'les retraités' and understand the slight differences in meaning and register between them. You can participate in a discussion about how society treats its elderly members.
At the B2 level, 'personne âgée' appears in more technical and argumentative contexts. You will encounter it in sociological texts discussing 'le vieillissement de la population' and the economic impact of an aging demographic. You should be able to use it fluently in debates about 'la dépendance' (loss of autonomy) and 'les maisons de retraite' (nursing homes). You will understand the nuance of using 'personne âgée' as a euphemism in political discourse. You can also analyze the difference between 'personne âgée' and more formal terms like 'le grand âge'. Your writing should demonstrate perfect agreement and an understanding of the term's place in French public policy and social ethics.
At the C1 level, you explore the nuances of the term 'personne âgée' within the broader context of French culture and literature. You can discuss the evolution of the term from 'vieillard' to 'personne âgée' and what this says about changing social attitudes toward aging. You will recognize the term in complex legal or medical documents (e.g., 'protection des personnes âgées vulnérables'). You should be able to use it in sophisticated essays about 'la银发经济' (silver economy) or 'le lien social'. You are expected to understand the subtle connotations of the term when used by different speakers, such as politicians, doctors, or activists, and how it fits into the broader linguistic landscape of French euphemisms.
At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'personne âgée' and its related concepts. You can engage in high-level philosophical or academic discussions about the concept of aging in the Francophone world. You might analyze how the term is used in modern French cinema or literature to portray the human condition. You understand the deep etymological roots and the historical shifts in how the elderly have been categorized in French law and society. You can use the term with absolute precision, alternating it with poetic or highly technical alternatives where appropriate. You are also aware of the regional variations and how the term might be perceived in different parts of the Francophone world, from Quebec to West Africa.

personne âgée em 30 segundos

  • A polite, formal term for an elderly person, used in healthcare, news, and daily polite conversation.
  • Always feminine ('une personne âgée') regardless of the person's biological gender, due to the noun 'personne'.
  • Essential for A2 learners to move beyond the blunt word 'vieux' and show respect in French culture.
  • Commonly seen in public transport signs and heard in social discussions about the aging population.

The term personne âgée is the standard, respectful way to refer to an elderly individual in French. Unlike the word 'vieux' (old), which can sometimes carry a pejorative or overly blunt connotation, 'personne âgée' is considered politically correct and polite. It is the term of choice in administrative documents, healthcare settings, and news reporting. Understanding this term requires a grasp of both linguistic gender and social etiquette in France.

Grammatical Gender
The noun 'personne' is always feminine in French, regardless of the gender of the individual being described. Therefore, you must always say 'une personne âgée' even if you are talking about a man.
Social Context
In France, there is a strong emphasis on 'le respect des aînés' (respect for elders). Using 'personne âgée' demonstrates this respect in formal and semi-formal conversations.

Il est important d'aider une personne âgée à traverser la rue.

Translation: It is important to help an elderly person cross the street.

The phrase is composed of the noun 'personne' and the adjective 'âgée' (aged/elderly). Because 'personne' is feminine, the adjective 'âgé' takes an extra 'e' to become 'âgée'. In the plural, it becomes 'personnes âgées'. In modern French society, this term is increasingly used to discuss the demographic shift known as 'le vieillissement de la population' (the aging of the population). It covers a broad range of ages, typically starting from retirement age (around 60-65) and extending to the 'grand âge' (very old age).

Cette résidence est spécialement conçue pour accueillir toute personne âgée dépendante.

In professional environments, such as social work or medicine, you might see the acronym 'PA' used for 'Personne Âgée'. For example, 'le plan canicule pour les PA' refers to the emergency heatwave plan for the elderly. This highlights how the term has become institutionalized as the definitive way to categorize the senior population without causing offense.

Using 'personne âgée' correctly involves more than just knowing the definition; it requires mastering the grammatical agreement that comes with the word 'personne'. Because 'personne' is a feminine noun, any adjectives or articles modifying it must also be feminine. This is a common stumbling block for English speakers who are used to gender-neutral terms like 'person'.

Agreement with Masculine Subjects
Mon grand-père est une personne âgée très active. (My grandfather is a very active elderly person.) Note 'une' and 'âgée' remain feminine.
Plural Usage
Les personnes âgées ont souvent besoin de compagnie. (Elderly people often need company.)

L'infirmière s'occupe de chaque personne âgée avec beaucoup de patience.

The term is often paired with adjectives that specify the person's state of health or living situation. Common pairings include 'personne âgée dépendante' (a dependent elderly person) or 'personne âgée isolée' (a lonely/isolated elderly person). These combinations are very common in social commentary and news reports regarding the 'silver economy' or social services.

In a sentence, 'personne âgée' can function as the subject, direct object, or indirect object. For example: 'J'ai vu une personne âgée' (I saw an elderly person) or 'Ce service est destiné aux personnes âgées' (This service is intended for elderly people). Note the contraction 'aux' (à + les) in the plural form. Mastering these variations allows you to discuss demographic issues and family life with the appropriate level of nuance and grammatical accuracy.

You will encounter 'personne âgée' in a variety of real-world contexts in France, ranging from public transport to national television. It is the language of public service and social responsibility.

Public Transport
On the Metro or bus, you will see signs that say: 'Cédez votre place aux personnes âgées' (Give up your seat to elderly people).
The News (Le JT)
News anchors use it when discussing retirement reforms, healthcare costs, or the effects of summer heatwaves on vulnerable populations.

Le gouvernement annonce de nouvelles aides pour toute personne âgée vivant seule.

In medical settings, doctors and nurses use it to refer to their patients respectfully. Instead of saying 'le vieux dans la chambre 4' (the old man in room 4), which would be considered very rude and unprofessional, they would say 'la personne âgée de la chambre 4'. This linguistic choice maintains the dignity of the patient.

Another common place to hear it is in the context of volunteer work. Many French students 'rendent visite à une personne âgée' (visit an elderly person) as part of community service programs designed to combat 'l'isolement social' (social isolation). In these conversations, the term is used with a sense of empathy and community care.

The most frequent errors involving 'personne âgée' are related to gender agreement and the choice of register. Because the English word 'person' is neutral, learners often forget that 'personne' in French is strictly feminine.

The Gender Trap
Mistake: *Un personne âgé. Correct: Une personne âgée. This applies even if you are pointing at a man.
Using 'Vieux' Inappropriately
Calling someone 'un vieux' can be seen as dismissive or insulting. Use 'personne âgée' or 'senior' to be safe.

Ne dites pas 'un vieux', dites 'une personne âgée' pour être poli.

Another mistake is confusing the adjective 'âgé' with the noun 'âge'. You cannot say 'une personne âge'. The adjective must agree with the noun. Furthermore, some learners try to translate 'elderly' as 'ancien', but 'ancien' usually means 'former' or 'ancient' (like a building), not a person's age in this context.

Finally, be careful with the plural 'des personnes âgées'. In English, we often omit the article ('Elderly people are wise'), but in French, the article is mandatory: 'Les personnes âgées sont sages'. Forgetting the definite article 'les' makes the sentence sound incomplete to a native speaker.

French has several ways to refer to older people, each with a specific nuance or register. Choosing the right one depends on whether you are being formal, medical, or colloquial.

Le Senior
Very common in marketing and sports. It sounds modern and active. Example: 'Un tarif spécial pour les seniors'.
Le Troisième Âge
Literally 'the third age'. It refers to the period of life after retirement. It's a bit more sociological.
L'Aîné
Meaning 'the elder'. Often used in a respectful, slightly traditional way, or within a family to mean the oldest child.

Le terme 'senior' est plus courant dans la publicité qu'une personne âgée.

Comparison Table:

  • Vieux/Vieille: Direct, can be harsh. Best avoided in direct address.
  • Retraité: Specifically refers to someone who has stopped working (a retiree).
  • Centenaire: Someone who is 100 years or older.
  • Doyen/Doyenne: The oldest member of a specific group (like a village or a faculty).

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

In French, 'personne' can mean both 'a person' and 'nobody' depending on the context and the presence of 'ne'. 'Je ne vois personne' means 'I see nobody'.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /pɛʁ.sɔn ɑ.ʒe/
US /pɛr.sɔn ɑ.ʒe/
In French, stress is usually on the final syllable of the phrase: per-sonne â-GÉE.
Rima com
usager partager manger danger étranger léger passager nuager
Erros comuns
  • Pronouncing the final 'e' in 'personne' like 'ee'. It is silent.
  • Failing to pronounce the 'r' deep in the throat.
  • Pronouncing 'âgée' like 'age'. It must end with the 'é' sound (like 'stay' without the 'y').
  • Confusing the nasal 'on' in 'personne' (it is not nasal here, it's an open 'o').
  • Merging the two words into one without a slight pause.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 2/5

Easy to recognize in texts. The main difficulty is the feminine agreement.

Escrita 3/5

Requires attention to the 'e' in 'une' and 'âgée'.

Expressão oral 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward but requires the French 'r'.

Audição 2/5

Commonly heard in public announcements and news.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

personne âgé vieux grand-mère homme

Aprenda a seguir

retraite dépendance senior vieillissement soins

Avançado

gériatrie sénescence troisième âge intergénérationnel EHPAD

Gramática essencial

Feminine of adjectives

âgé -> âgée

Gender of 'personne'

Une personne (always feminine)

Plural of compound nouns

Les personnes âgées

Contractions with 'à'

Aux personnes âgées

Agreement with 'être'

Elle est une personne âgée.

Exemplos por nível

1

Ma grand-mère est une personne âgée.

My grandmother is an elderly person.

Note the feminine agreement: 'une' and 'âgée'.

2

Il y a une personne âgée dans le bus.

There is an elderly person in the bus.

Use 'il y a' for 'there is'.

3

La personne âgée marche lentement.

The elderly person walks slowly.

Adverb 'lentement' follows the verb.

4

C'est une personne âgée très gentille.

She/He is a very kind elderly person.

Even for a man, we say 'une personne'.

5

J'aide une personne âgée.

I am helping an elderly person.

Present tense of 'aider'.

6

Elle est une personne âgée.

She is an elderly person.

Simple subject-verb-complement structure.

7

Regarde cette personne âgée.

Look at that elderly person.

Imperative form of 'regarder'.

8

Une personne âgée habite ici.

An elderly person lives here.

Verb 'habiter' in the third person singular.

1

Les personnes âgées aiment souvent le jardinage.

Elderly people often like gardening.

Plural agreement: 'les' and 'âgées'.

2

Il faut respecter chaque personne âgée.

It is necessary to respect every elderly person.

'Il faut' + infinitive.

3

Cette personne âgée a besoin d'aide pour ses courses.

This elderly person needs help with their groceries.

'Avoir besoin de' structure.

4

Ma voisine est une personne âgée très active.

My neighbor is a very active elderly person.

Adjective 'active' agrees with 'personne'.

5

Nous rendons visite à une personne âgée le dimanche.

We visit an elderly person on Sundays.

'Rendre visite à' is used for people.

6

Le médecin parle à la personne âgée.

The doctor is speaking to the elderly person.

Indirect object with 'à'.

7

Il n'y a pas beaucoup de personnes âgées ici.

There aren't many elderly people here.

Negative 'pas de' construction.

8

Est-ce que cette personne âgée est votre parente ?

Is this elderly person your relative?

Interrogative with 'est-ce que'.

1

L'isolement d'une personne âgée est un problème sérieux.

The isolation of an elderly person is a serious problem.

Noun 'isolement' modified by a prepositional phrase.

2

Il est important de maintenir le lien social avec toute personne âgée.

It is important to maintain social ties with every elderly person.

'Il est' + adjective + 'de' + infinitive.

3

De nombreuses personnes âgées utilisent maintenant Internet.

Many elderly people now use the Internet.

'De nombreuses' is a formal way to say 'many'.

4

Cette association aide chaque personne âgée en difficulté.

This association helps every elderly person in difficulty.

'En difficulté' describes the state.

5

On propose des activités culturelles pour toute personne âgée.

Cultural activities are offered for every elderly person.

'On' as an indefinite subject.

6

Il a écrit un livre sur la vie d'une personne âgée.

He wrote a book about the life of an elderly person.

Preposition 'sur' meaning 'about'.

7

La ville a aménagé un parc pour les personnes âgées.

The city has designed a park for elderly people.

Passé composé of 'aménager'.

8

Une personne âgée peut apporter beaucoup d'expérience.

An elderly person can bring a lot of experience.

Modal verb 'pouvoir'.

1

Le gouvernement doit garantir la sécurité de chaque personne âgée.

The government must guarantee the safety of every elderly person.

Modal 'devoir' expressing obligation.

2

Le vieillissement transforme la vie de la personne âgée moderne.

Aging transforms the life of the modern elderly person.

Abstract noun 'vieillissement'.

3

On s'inquiète de la précarité de certaines personnes âgées.

There is concern about the precariousness of some elderly people.

Pronominal verb 's'inquiéter de'.

4

L'accompagnement d'une personne âgée dépendante demande du temps.

Accompanying a dependent elderly person requires time.

Subject is a complex noun phrase.

5

Il faut favoriser l'autonomie de la personne âgée le plus longtemps possible.

We must promote the autonomy of the elderly person for as long as possible.

Superlative 'le plus longtemps possible'.

6

La canicule représente un danger pour toute personne âgée vulnérable.

The heatwave represents a danger for every vulnerable elderly person.

'Représenter' used as a formal 'is'.

7

Les services de soins à domicile pour personnes âgées se développent.

Home care services for the elderly are developing.

Reflexive 'se développer'.

8

L'image de la personne âgée dans les médias évolue constamment.

The image of the elderly person in the media is constantly evolving.

Adverb 'constamment' modifying the verb.

1

La stigmatisation de la personne âgée est un obstacle à l'inclusion.

The stigmatization of the elderly person is an obstacle to inclusion.

Abstract vocabulary 'stigmatisation', 'inclusion'.

2

Il convient d'analyser les besoins spécifiques de la personne âgée en milieu urbain.

It is appropriate to analyze the specific needs of the elderly person in an urban environment.

Formal 'il convient de'.

3

La maltraitance envers une personne âgée est un crime lourdement sanctionné.

Abuse toward an elderly person is a heavily sanctioned crime.

Preposition 'envers' meaning 'toward'.

4

Le droit français protège la dignité de toute personne âgée.

French law protects the dignity of every elderly person.

Specific legal context.

5

L'interdépendance entre la personne âgée et son aidant est complexe.

The interdependence between the elderly person and their caregiver is complex.

Noun 'interdépendance'.

6

On observe une féminisation de la population des personnes âgées.

A feminization of the elderly population is observed.

Sociological term 'féminisation'.

7

La solitude peut peser lourdement sur le moral d'une personne âgée.

Loneliness can weigh heavily on the morale of an elderly person.

Metaphorical use of 'peser'.

8

La transmission du savoir par la personne âgée est essentielle à la culture.

The transmission of knowledge by the elderly person is essential to culture.

Noun 'transmission'.

1

L'ontologie du vieillissement redéfinit la perception de la personne âgée.

The ontology of aging redefines the perception of the elderly person.

High-level philosophical vocabulary.

2

La figure de la personne âgée dans la littérature classique oscille entre sagesse et décrépitude.

The figure of the elderly person in classical literature oscillates between wisdom and decrepitude.

Literary analysis structure.

3

Il s'agit de transcender les clichés liés à la personne âgée dépendante.

It is a matter of transcending the clichés related to the dependent elderly person.

'Il s'agit de' + infinitive.

4

La vulnérabilité intrinsèque de la personne âgée soulève des questions éthiques majeures.

The intrinsic vulnerability of the elderly person raises major ethical questions.

Adjective 'intrinsèque'.

5

Les politiques publiques visent à pérenniser le maintien à domicile de la personne âgée.

Public policies aim to sustain the ability of the elderly person to remain at home.

Administrative verb 'pérenniser'.

6

L'érosion des solidarités traditionnelles fragilise la personne âgée isolée.

The erosion of traditional solidarities weakens the isolated elderly person.

Metaphorical 'érosion'.

7

La personne âgée devient le pivot d'une nouvelle économie du soin.

The elderly person is becoming the pivot of a new care economy.

Noun 'pivot' used metaphorically.

8

L'appréhension de la mort chez la personne âgée fait l'objet d'études psychologiques approfondies.

The apprehension of death among the elderly is the subject of in-depth psychological studies.

'Faire l'objet de'.

Sinônimos

senior retraité aîné vieillard troisième âge centenaire vieux grand âge

Antônimos

jeune enfant adolescent nouveau-né

Colocações comuns

personne âgée dépendante
personne âgée isolée
aider une personne âgée
respecter les personnes âgées
soins aux personnes âgées
maltraitance des personnes âgées
autonomie de la personne âgée
logement pour personnes âgées
visiter une personne âgée
accompagnement de la personne âgée

Frases Comuns

Une personne d'un certain âge

— A polite, slightly vague way to say someone is older. It's very diplomatic.

C'est une femme d'un certain âge, très élégante.

Le respect des personnes âgées

— The concept of showing respect to elders, a core social value in France.

Le respect des personnes âgées est fondamental dans notre culture.

Services pour personnes âgées

— Public or private services specifically designed for the elderly.

Ma mairie propose de nombreux services pour personnes âgées.

Maintien à domicile des personnes âgées

— The policy of helping seniors live in their own homes rather than nursing homes.

Le maintien à domicile des personnes âgées est préféré par les familles.

Solitude des personnes âgées

— The social issue of elderly people living alone without social contact.

La solitude des personnes âgées augmente pendant les vacances.

Place réservée aux personnes âgées

— Designated seating in public transport for seniors.

Cherchez la place réservée aux personnes âgées si vous êtes fatigué.

Vivre avec une personne âgée

— To cohabitate with an elderly relative or through a social program.

Il vit avec une personne âgée pour réduire son loyer.

Santé des personnes âgées

— The specific field of geriatric health and well-being.

La santé des personnes âgées nécessite un suivi régulier.

L'avenir des personnes âgées

— Discussions about the future quality of life for seniors.

Nous devons réfléchir à l'avenir des personnes âgées dans nos villes.

Association pour personnes âgées

— Charities or clubs dedicated to seniors.

Elle fait du bénévolat dans une association pour personnes âgées.

Frequentemente confundido com

personne âgée vs ancien

Ancien means 'former' or 'ancient' (like a building). Use 'âgé' for people.

personne âgée vs vieillard

Too literary for daily use. Sounds like something from a 19th-century novel.

personne âgée vs vieux

Can be rude. Only use with close friends or in specific idioms.

Expressões idiomáticas

"Vieux comme le monde"

— As old as the world (very old). Not specific to people but related to age.

Cette histoire est vieille comme le monde.

Informal
"Prendre de l'âge"

— To get older or to age. A more polite way to say someone is getting old.

On prend tous de l'âge, c'est la vie.

Neutral
"Le bel âge"

— Literally 'the beautiful age'. Often used ironically for youth or respectfully for old age.

Quatre-vingts ans, c'est le bel âge !

Respectful/Ironical
"Être d'un âge avancé"

— To be of an advanced age. Very formal and polite.

Mon oncle est d'un âge avancé maintenant.

Formal
"Un vieux de la vieille"

— An old-timer or a veteran (originally Napoleonic guards). Someone with lots of experience.

C'est un vieux de la vieille dans cette entreprise.

Colloquial
"Casser sa pipe"

— To kick the bucket / to die. Often used when talking about an old person passing away.

Le pauvre a fini par casser sa pipe à 95 ans.

Slang
"Ne pas être né de la dernière pluie"

— To not be born yesterday. Implies wisdom gained through age.

Cette personne âgée n'est pas née de la dernière pluie.

Informal
"Avoir de la bouteille"

— To have experience (like an old wine).

Ce professeur a de la bouteille, il connaît tout.

Colloquial
"Porter son âge"

— To look one's age.

Elle porte bien son âge, elle paraît plus jeune.

Neutral
"L'âge de raison"

— The age of reason (usually around 7), but sometimes used to discuss maturity.

Il a enfin atteint l'âge de raison.

Neutral

Fácil de confundir

personne âgée vs âge

Noun vs Adjective

'Âge' is the noun (age), 'âgé' is the adjective (aged).

Quel est son âge ? vs Elle est âgée.

personne âgée vs personnel

Similar spelling

'Personnel' means 'staff' or 'personal'. 'Personne' means 'person'.

Le personnel de l'hôpital aide la personne âgée.

personne âgée vs grand

Translation of 'elder'

'Grand' means tall or big. 'Âgé' means old.

Mon frère est plus grand (taller) vs Mon frère est plus âgé (older).

personne âgée vs majeur

Legal age

'Majeur' means over 18. 'Personne âgée' means much older.

Il est majeur, mais ce n'est pas une personne âgée.

personne âgée vs aîné

Synonym

'Aîné' is often used to compare two people (the older of two).

Il est mon aîné de deux ans.

Padrões de frases

A1

C'est une personne âgée.

C'est une personne âgée.

A2

J'aide une personne âgée.

J'aide une personne âgée.

B1

Il est important de [verb] les personnes âgées.

Il est important d'écouter les personnes âgées.

B2

La situation des personnes âgées [verb].

La situation des personnes âgées s'améliore.

C1

Face au vieillissement, la personne âgée [verb].

Face au vieillissement, la personne âgée doit rester active.

A2

Ma [family member] est une personne âgée.

Ma tante est une personne âgée.

B1

Il y a beaucoup de personnes âgées qui [verb].

Il y a beaucoup de personnes âgées qui voyagent.

C2

L'image sociétale de la personne âgée [verb].

L'image sociétale de la personne âgée est en pleine mutation.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

personne
personnage
personnalité
âgisme
âge

Verbos

personnaliser
âger (rare)
vieillir

Adjetivos

personnel
personnalisé
âgé
vieux

Relacionado

senior
retraité
ancêtre
doyen
aîné

Como usar

frequency

Very high in all contexts.

Erros comuns
  • Un personne âgé Une personne âgée

    'Personne' is always feminine.

  • Les âgés Les personnes âgées

    You cannot use 'âgé' as a noun for people in this way.

  • Une personne ancien Une personne âgée

    'Ancien' means former/ancient, not elderly.

  • Il est un personne âgée C'est une personne âgée

    Use 'C'est' when identifying a person with a modified noun.

  • Beaucoup de personnes âgé Beaucoup de personnes âgées

    The adjective must be plural to match 'personnes'.

Dicas

Check the agreement

Always check that your articles and adjectives are feminine. 'Une personne âgée' is the golden rule.

Show respect

In France, using polite terms for the elderly is a sign of good education. Use 'personne âgée' in all formal situations.

Learn the synonyms

Know when to use 'senior' (marketing) vs 'retraité' (administration) vs 'personne âgée' (general polite).

Pronounce the liaison

In 'des personnes âgées', the 's' of 'personnes' sounds like a 'z' because it's followed by a vowel.

Avoid 'ancien'

Never use 'ancien' to mean 'old person'. Use 'âgé'.

Metro signs

Look for the phrase on public transport signs to see it used in a real-world context.

Helping out

If you see a 'personne âgée' struggling, a polite 'Puis-je vous aider ?' is always appreciated.

CEFR A2 tip

For A2 exams, being able to use 'personne âgée' instead of 'vieux' shows you understand French social nuances.

The 'Nobody' trap

Remember 'personne' can mean 'nobody'. 'Je ne vois personne âgée' means 'I don't see any elderly person'.

The Grandmother Rule

Think of your grandmother as 'Une Personne'. She is 'Âgée'. This helps remember the feminine form.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of a 'PERSON' who is 'AGED'. In French, a Person is always a 'She' (Une Personne), even if the person is a 'He'. So, she is 'Âgée' with an extra 'e'.

Associação visual

Imagine a grandmother (Une Personne) holding a giant letter 'E' (for Âgée) to remind you of the feminine agreement.

Word Web

Sagesse Retraite Grand-parents Expérience Respect Aide Senior Santé

Desafio

Try to describe three elderly people you know using the phrase 'une personne âgée' without making a gender mistake.

Origem da palavra

The word 'personne' comes from the Latin 'persona', which originally meant a mask worn by actors. The adjective 'âgée' comes from 'âge', which derives from the Old French 'edage', from Latin 'aetas' (age/period of life).

Significado original: 'Personne' originally referred to the character one plays, and later to the human being themselves. 'Âgée' simply means having reached a certain number of years.

Romance (Latin-based).

Contexto cultural

Always use 'personne âgée' or 'senior' in formal settings. 'Vieux' can be offensive if used to describe a stranger or a superior.

In English, 'elderly person' is common, but 'senior' or 'older adult' is often preferred in modern settings. French 'personne âgée' is the direct equivalent of 'elderly person'.

Le film 'Amour' de Michael Haneke La chanson 'Les Vieux' de Jacques Brel Le livre 'La Vieillesse' de Simone de Beauvoir

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Public Transport

  • Place réservée
  • Cédez votre place
  • Personne à mobilité réduite
  • Aider à monter

Healthcare

  • Dossier médical
  • Soins à domicile
  • Prendre les médicaments
  • Aide-soignante

Family

  • Rendre visite
  • Appeler souvent
  • Prendre soin de
  • Héritage

Administration

  • Allocation vieillesse
  • Dossier de retraite
  • Aide sociale
  • Tutelle

Social Life

  • Club de seniors
  • Activités culturelles
  • Isolement social
  • Bénévolat

Iniciadores de conversa

"Pensez-vous que nous respectons assez les personnes âgées dans notre société ?"

"Connaissez-vous une personne âgée qui a une vie très active ?"

"Quels sont les services pour personnes âgées dans votre ville ?"

"Est-ce qu'une personne âgée vit dans votre immeuble ?"

"Comment peut-on lutter contre la solitude d'une personne âgée ?"

Temas para diário

Décrivez une personne âgée que vous admirez et expliquez pourquoi.

Imaginez votre vie quand vous serez une personne âgée. Que ferez-vous ?

Racontez une fois où vous avez aidé une personne âgée dans la rue.

Pensez-vous que les personnes âgées devraient vivre avec leur famille ou dans des résidences ?

Qu'est-ce que les jeunes peuvent apprendre d'une personne âgée ?

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

It is always feminine because 'personne' is a feminine noun. You say 'une personne âgée' for both men and women.

No, you must use the noun 'personne' or 'senior'. 'Un âgé' is grammatically incorrect in French.

Usually around 60-65 years old, which corresponds with the retirement age in France.

Not always, but it's risky. It's safer to use 'personne âgée' unless you are close to the person.

You say 'les personnes âgées'. Don't forget the 's' on both words.

'Senior' is more modern and often used in marketing or sports. 'Personne âgée' is more descriptive and formal.

Yes, as an adjective: 'Il est très âgé'. But 'personne âgée' is the standard noun phrase.

In informal speech, people might say 'les vieux', but 'les seniors' is a better short alternative.

You can say 'un homme âgé', but 'une personne âgée' is more common and polite.

It's a sociological term for the retirement years, often used to describe activities for seniors.

Teste-se 180 perguntas

writing

Décrivez votre grand-mère ou une personne âgée que vous connaissez.

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

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Pourquoi est-il important de respecter les personnes âgées ?

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

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Quels services pour personnes âgées existent dans votre ville ?

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

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writing

Comment imaginez-vous votre vie quand vous serez une personne âgée ?

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

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Écrivez un dialogue entre un jeune et une personne âgée.

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

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Quels sont les avantages d'être une personne âgée ?

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writing

Expliquez le terme 'le troisième âge'.

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writing

Comment la technologie peut-elle aider une personne âgée ?

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

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writing

Racontez une histoire sur une personne âgée sage.

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

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writing

Discutez du vieillissement de la population en France.

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

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Lettre à une personne âgée isolée pour lui donner des nouvelles.

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

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Critique d'un film qui parle d'une personne âgée.

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

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Description d'une maison de retraite idéale.

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

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writing

Poème sur le temps qui passe pour une personne âgée.

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

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
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Rapport sur les besoins de santé des personnes âgées.

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

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
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Argumentation : Faut-il vivre avec les personnes âgées de sa famille ?

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

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writing

Résumé d'un article sur la 'Silver Économie'.

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

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
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Dialogue : Convaincre une personne âgée d'utiliser un smartphone.

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

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writing

Essai sur la place de la personne âgée dans la littérature.

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

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Description d'un bénévole qui aide une personne âgée.

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

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Dites 'Une personne âgée' à haute voix.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Prononcez 'Les personnes âgées' avec la liaison.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Présentez une personne âgée de votre famille.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Expliquez pourquoi il faut aider les seniors.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Racontez une conversation avec une personne âgée.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Donnez votre avis sur les maisons de retraite.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Discutez des défis du vieillissement.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Comment le respect change-t-il avec l'âge ?

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Décrivez le portrait d'une personne âgée célèbre.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Quels conseils donneriez-vous à une personne âgée pour rester en forme ?

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Parlez de la place des seniors dans votre culture.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Simulez une demande d'aide à une personne âgée.

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speaking

Expliquez l'expression 'prendre de l'âge'.

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speaking

Discutez de l'importance de la transmission entre générations.

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speaking

Comment aider une personne âgée isolée ?

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Parlez des activités préférées des seniors.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Que signifie 'être d'un certain âge' ?

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Décrivez un vêtement typique d'une personne âgée.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Comment la société peut-elle mieux intégrer les seniors ?

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Racontez un souvenir avec une personne âgée.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Écoutez et écrivez : 'Une personne âgée'.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Écoutez et écrivez : 'Les personnes âgées'.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
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listening

Écoutez et écrivez : 'Ma grand-mère est âgée'.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
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listening

Écoutez et écrivez : 'Aidez la personne âgée'.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
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listening

Écoutez et écrivez : 'Le respect des personnes âgées'.

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listening

Écoutez et écrivez : 'Une personne âgée isolée'.

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listening

Écoutez et écrivez : 'C'est une personne très âgée'.

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listening

Écoutez et écrivez : 'Les seniors aiment voyager'.

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listening

Écoutez et écrivez : 'Il y a une personne âgée ici'.

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listening

Écoutez et écrivez : 'Le maintien à domicile'.

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listening

Écoutez et écrivez : 'La santé des aînés'.

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listening

Écoutez et écrivez : 'Une personne âgée dépendante'.

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listening

Écoutez et écrivez : 'Visitez une personne âgée'.

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listening

Écoutez et écrivez : 'Le club du troisième âge'.

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listening

Écoutez et écrivez : 'Une personne âgée sage'.

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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