antiguo
Lemma Details
Translation: ancient; old; antique; former; traditional
Part of Speech: adjective
Etymology: From Latin 'antiquus' meaning 'old, ancient, former'. The Latin term derives from 'ante' (before) and is related to English words like 'antique' and 'antiquity'. The Spanish 'antiguo' preserves the sense of something that has existed for a long time or belongs to a former period.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Me encanta la arquitectura antigua de esta ciudad.
I love the ancient architecture of this city.
Este es un libro antiguo y valioso.
This is an old and valuable book.
Mi antiguo profesor ahora vive en Madrid.
My former teacher now lives in Madrid.
Prefiero los métodos antiguos de cocinar.
I prefer traditional cooking methods.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'antique' in English - both refer to old things.
- The 'anti' part can remind you of 'ante' (before) - something from before our time.
- Imagine an 'ancient iguana' (antiguo) sitting on old ruins.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, 'antiguo' often carries positive connotations of tradition, heritage, and authenticity. Historic city centers are often called 'casco antiguo' and are points of pride. The term is also used to refer to former relationships or positions (mi antiguo jefe - my former boss).
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'antiguo' refers to objects or institutions that are old or ancient, 'anciano' specifically refers to elderly people.
Confused word:
Mi abuelo es un anciano respetado en la comunidad.
My grandfather is a respected elderly man in the community.
Notes: 'Antiguo' can describe people but only in the sense of 'former' (e.g., 'mi antiguo jefe' means 'my former boss'), not in the sense of age.
Mnemonic: 'Anciano' has 'ano' (year) in it, suggesting age of people, while 'antiguo' relates to 'antique' objects.
Explanation: 'Antiguo' is an adjective describing something old, while 'antaño' is an adverb meaning 'in the past' or 'formerly'.
Notes: While both words relate to the past, 'antiguo' describes qualities while 'antaño' refers to a time period.
Mnemonic: Think of 'antaño' as 'ante año' (before year) - referring to time past.