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"Elder" is an adjective which is often translated as "mayor", and "older" is an adjective which is also often translated as "mayor". Learn more about the difference between "elder" and "older" below.
elder(
ehl
-
duhr
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
A noun is a word referring to a person, animal, place, thing, feeling, or idea (e.g., man, dog, house).
a. el mayor (M), la mayor (F)
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
(f) means that a noun is feminine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
The younger of the two brothers is Pablo, and the elder is Guillermo.El menor de los dos hermanos es Pablo, y el mayor es Guillermo.
b. el anciano (M) (leader)
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
The elders of the tribe met to discuss the fate of the young man.Los ancianos de la tribu se reunieron para hablar del destino del joven.
4. (botany)
a. el saúco (M) (tree)
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
Elder berries are often cultivated for wine production.Las fresas del saúco se cultivan a menudo para la elaboración del vino.
5. (religious)
a. no direct translation (layman with authority)
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
My father is an elder at our church, so he has a lot of influence there.Mi padre es un miembro del consejo de nuestra iglesia, así que tiene mucha influencia allí.
The elder stood up to assist the priest with communion.El presbítero se levantó para ayudar al cura con la comunión.
older(
ol
-
duhr
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
1. (general)
a. mayor
Just because you're older than me doesn't mean you're smarter.Tan solo porque eres mayor que yo no significa que seas más inteligente.
c. más grande
Is your sister younger or older than you?¿Tu hermana es más pequeña o más grande que tú?
d. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
I'm three years older than my brother.Tengo tres años más que mi hermano.
My sister is two years older than me.Mi hermana me lleva dos años.
