vechiul

Vechiul is the masculine singular definite form of the Romanian adjective vechi, meaning old. It functions as a determiner in phrases where definiteness is emphasized, and it often appears in fixed expressions, titles, or literary contexts. In everyday speech the standard way to say “the old X” is to place the noun with its own definite article (for example, orașul vechi, “the old town”). The form vechiul is most visible in emphatic or stylistic uses, or in proper names and titles such as Vechiul Testament, the Old Testament.

Etymology and cognates: vechi derives from Latin vetus, and the Romanian form shows the common Romance evolution of veteris-type roots. Cognate words appear in other Romance languages, for example vecchio in Italian, viejo in Spanish, and vieux in French, all meaning “old.” The Romanian development retains a similar semantic core while adapting to Romanian grammar and morphology.

Usage and nuance: vechiul can convey antiquity, elder status, or a sense of tradition in literary or historical writing. It is less common in ordinary speech without a noun, where the usual order would be orașul vechi or omul vechi. In titles or poetic contexts, vechiul may function as a standalone epithet or as part of a fixed expression referencing the ancient or venerable toponyms, institutions, or texts.

See also: vechi; Vechiul Testament; Romanian adjectives.