nounnounadjective

le vieux

old

Qui a beaucoup d'années ou qui n'est plus jeune.

The word "vieux" in French means "old." It is an adjective used to describe something or someone of advanced age or something that has existed for a long time.

Usage:

When referring to a masculine noun: un vieux livre (an old book), un vieux monsieur (an old man).
For feminine nouns, it changes to "vieille": une vieille maison (an old house).
In the plural:
- Masculine: "vieux" remains the same: des vieux amis (old friends).
- Feminine: "vieilles": des vieilles histoires (old stories).

Differences with synonyms:

Ancien / ancienne: means old in the sense of former, previous - e.g., un ancien professeur (a former teacher).
Âgé / âgée: refers specifically to someone who is advanced in age, often with a polite or neutral tone.
Usé / usée: literally means "worn," used mainly for objects to suggest they are old and worn out.

So, "vieux" is a common, neutral word for something old but can carry an informal or sometimes familiar tone, especially when speaking about people.