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How to Say ‘The oldest one’ in Portuguese

O mais velho

oo mysh VEH-lyoo

[oo mysh VEH-lyoo]

💬 Usage Tip: O mais + a describing word means "the most …": o mais novo is "the youngest". For a girl it becomes a mais velha.

Phrase Breakdown

[oo]

the

Masculine singular definite article meaning the.

Example

O check-in fecha cedo.

The check-in closes early.

mais

[mysh]

more / most

Used with 'próxima' to form 'nearest'.

Example

A estação de metro mais próxima fica aqui.

The nearest metro station is here.

velho

[VEH-lyoo]

old

Adjective meaning old; with 'o mais' it means the oldest (child).

Example

O meu irmão mais velho mora em Lisboa.

My older brother lives in Lisbon.

Guides for Portuguese learners

The Portuguese You Actually Need in Your First Month in PortugalThe European Portuguese phrases for your first weeks in Portugal: paperwork, renting a flat, the bank, the health centre, cafés, trains and your new neighbours.

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