Describe age and former roles in Spanish.
The idea
After a noun, antiguo often refers to age; before it, antiguo can mean former. Context matters, and the adjective agrees with the noun.
Examples
- El puente antiguo cruza el río.The old bridge crosses the river.
- Mi antigua profesora vive en Lima.My former teacher lives in Lima.
- Encontramos monedas antiguas en el museo.We found ancient coins in the museum.
- Sus antiguos vecinos abrieron una panadería.Their former neighbours opened a bakery.
- Esta receta es antigua, pero sigue siendo popular.This recipe is old, but it is still popular.
- Visitaron una ciudad antigua junto al mar.They visited an ancient city by the sea.
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Watch out
Do not assume mi antigua profesora means an elderly teacher: it normally refers to a former teacher.
Try it yourself
Choose the phrase that matches the meaning: former teacher. Mi ___ trabaja ahora en otra escuela. (antigua profesora / profesora antigua)
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antigua profesora
antigua profesora identifies a teacher from an earlier period.
Choose the phrase that matches the meaning: old house. Restauran una ___. (antigua casa / casa antigua)
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casa antigua
casa antigua describes the age of the house.
Choose the phrase that matches the meaning: former colleagues. Saludé a mis ___. (antiguos compañeros / compañeros antiguos)
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antiguos compañeros
antiguos compañeros identifies colleagues from an earlier period.
Practice round
Answer questions, then rebuild Spanish sentences where available. We keep your score.
Choose the phrase that matches the meaning: former teacher. Mi ___ trabaja ahora en otra escuela. (antigua profesora / profesora antigua)
Choose the phrase that matches the meaning: old house. Restauran una ___. (antigua casa / casa antigua)
Choose the phrase that matches the meaning: former colleagues. Saludé a mis ___. (antiguos compañeros / compañeros antiguos)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Write an original sentence using antiguo.