Which one should you use?
While hermosas damas is very formal, the phrase mujeres hermosas is a more neutral and common way to say beautiful women. Other variations include Damas hermosas for gorgeous ladies and Hermosas señoritas for beautiful ladies. You can also use Señoritas bonitas to refer to pretty young ladies in a respectful and elegant manner.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase hermosas damas is formal, as the use of damas makes it sound more elegant than using mujeres (women). Other formal options include Hermosas señoritas and Damas hermosas.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase hermosas damas, both the adjective and the noun are in the feminine plural form to agree with each other. You may also encounter the adjective radiante, which means radiant.
How do you pronounce it?
/eɾmosas damas/
Did you know?
- While hermosa means 'beautiful', it is derived from the Latin 'formosus', which originally referred to the 'shape' or 'form' of a person.
- In some Latin American countries, calling a woman hermosa is a very common way to greet a close friend or partner, whereas in Spain it might feel more intensely romantic.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, calling a group of women damas is not just formal but can sometimes be perceived as overly theatrical or old-fashioned, similar to calling women 'fair maidens' in English.
Examples in context
- Es un honor conocer a estas hermosas damas.It is an honor to meet these beautiful ladies.
Example conversation
Mateo greets María and her friends at a gala.
- MateoBuenas noches, hermosas damas.Good evening, beautiful ladies.
- MaríaMuchas gracias, Mateo.Thank you very much, Mateo.
- MateoEstán todas muy elegantes.You are all very elegant.
- MaríaTú también te ves muy bien.You look very good too.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
