ustedes dos
/ustedes dos/from spelling rules
The English phrase "both of you" is translated into Spanish as ustedes dos.
Ustedes dos is used to refer to two people who are being spoken to.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the pronoun ustedes (you all/plural you) and the number dos (two), literally meaning "you all two".
Which one should you use?
While ustedes dos is a common way to specify "the two of you", the word ambos can also be used to mean "both" when referring to a group of two.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, when speaking informally to two people, vosotros dos is used instead of ustedes dos.
How do you pronounce it?
/ustedes dos/
Did you know?
- The word ustedes is actually a linguistic contraction that evolved from the polite honorific 'vuestra merced', which meant 'your mercy'. This history is hidden within the pronoun used in 'ustedes dos'.
- In many Latin American countries, you can use ustedes dos to address two close friends or even children. Unlike in Spain, where it carries a formal tone, the word ustedes is the standard way to say 'you all' regardless of social closeness.
- The word dos shares a common ancestor with the English word 'two' and the Greek 'dúo', tracing back to the Proto-Indo-European root *dwóh₁. This means the numerical core of the phrase is a distant linguistic relative of English.
Examples in context
- Vengan aquí ustedes dos.Come here, the both of you.This sentence shows how to use ustedes dos when giving a command.Tatoeba #6630750 by Schuager, translation #3818246 by CK
- ¿Ustedes dos ya comieron?Have both of you already eaten?This sentence shows how to use ustedes dos in a question about eating.Tatoeba #1233215 by hayastan, translation #953277 by CK
- Necesito hablar con ustedes dos.I need to talk to both of you.This sentence shows how to use ustedes dos when expressing a need to talk to someone.Tatoeba #2831743 by marcelostockle, translation #2387749 by CK
- Vosotros sois muy divertidos.Both of you are very fun.
- ¿Dónde estáis vosotros?Where are both of you?
Example conversation
Elena is talking to her two friends, Daniel and Sofia, about a movie.
- Elena¿Ustedes dos quieren ir al cine?Do both of you want to go to the cinema?
- DanielSí, nos encantaría, Elena.Yes, we would love to, Elena.
- Elena¡Qué bueno! ¿A qué hora?That's great! At what time?
- DanielDaniel y yo podemos ir a las siete.Daniel and I can go at seven.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dos, ustedes, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
