señores
/seɲoɾes/from spelling rules
The English phrase "gentlemen" is translated into Spanish as señores.
señores is a polite way to address a group of men. In formal announcements or speeches, the phrase señoras y señores is the standard equivalent to the English "ladies and gentlemen". While señores can mean "gentlemen", it is also the standard way to say "Misters" or "Messrs." when addressing a group of men formally.
Which one should you use?
While señores is commonly used for "gentlemen", the term caballeros is actually the most common and widely used term for "gentlemen" in Spanish. If you are addressing a group of guys or fellas in an informal way, you might use chicos.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of señores is señor.
How do you pronounce it?
/seɲoɾes/
Did you know?
- The word caballeros comes from the word caballo, meaning 'horse'. It originally referred to men of a social class who could afford to ride horses into battle.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, a restroom for men is labeled as caballeros rather than señores.
- In some regions, the word señor is used as a way to show respect to a father-in-law or an elder relative, even if the relationship is close.
Examples in context
- Id con estos señores.Go with these gentlemen.This sentence shows how to use señores when referring to a group of men.Tatoeba #3796739 by Seael, translation #10148145 by Ricardo14
- Buenas noches, señoras y señores.Good night, ladies and gentlemen.This sentence demonstrates the standard greeting "ladies and gentlemen" using señores.Tatoeba #12316254 by Serrot, translation #12319696 by michu3453
- Señoras y señores, sean bienvenidos.Welcome, ladies and gentlemen.This sentence shows how to use señoras y señores to welcome an audience.Tatoeba #1331657 by Shishir, translation #1331928 by marcelostockle
- Buenas tardes, caballeros. Les agradezco su presencia hoy en esta importante ceremonia.Good afternoon, gentlemen. I appreciate your presence today at this important ceremony.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A professional setting where a woman introduces men to a colleague.
- ElenaHola, Alejandro, te presento a estos señores.Hello, Alejandro, I'd like to introduce these gentlemen to you.
- AlejandroMucho gusto, señores.Nice to meet you, gentlemen.
- ElenaEllos son los nuevos directores.They are the new directors.
- AlejandroEs un honor conocerlos.It is an honor to meet them.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry señores, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
