señoras
/seɲoɾas/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'ladies' translates to Spanish as señoras.
señoras is a polite way to refer to women, particularly those who are older or married. In formal announcements or speeches, the phrase 'ladies and gentlemen' is typically translated as señoras y señores, which places the women first.
Which one should you use?
While señoras refers to adult or married women, señoritas is used for younger, unmarried women (young ladies / Misses). Additionally, the term Damas is a formal way to translate 'ladies', whereas Chicas is a friendly and common way to say 'ladies' in a casual setting.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of señoras is señora.
How do you pronounce it?
/seɲoɾas/
Did you know?
- In some Latin American countries, calling a woman señora when she is young can be taken as a subtle insult, implying she looks much older than she is.
- While señoras is polite, calling a woman doña before her first name is an even higher level of respect, often reserved for the matriarch of a family.
- The word damas shares a root with the English word 'dame' and the French 'dame', though it is far less common in daily spoken Spanish.
Examples in context
- Buenas noches, señoras y señores.Good night, ladies and gentlemen.This sentence shows how to use señoras in a standard greeting.Tatoeba #12316254 by Serrot, translation #12319696 by michu3453
- Señoras y señores, sean bienvenidos.Welcome, ladies and gentlemen.This sentence demonstrates a welcome address using señoras.Tatoeba #1331657 by Shishir, translation #1331928 by marcelostockle
- Señoras y señores, bienvenidos a bordo.Ladies and gentlemen, welcome aboard.This sentence shows a welcome used in a professional or travel context with señoras.Tatoeba #9754146 by Eremon, translation #32255 by Zifre
- Señoras, les agradezco su presencia en esta conferencia.Ladies, I appreciate your presence at this conference.
- Bienvenidas, damas, a este evento tan importante.Welcome, ladies, to this important event.
- Hola, chicas, ¿quieren venir a mi casa esta noche?Hi, ladies, do you want to come over to my house tonight?
- Vamos muchachas, ¡nos espera una noche divertida!Let's go, ladies, a fun night awaits us!
- Estas mujeres son líderes inspiradoras en sus comunidades.These women are inspiring leaders in their communities.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A polite waiter greeting two women at a restaurant.
- DanielBuenas tardes, señoras.Good afternoon, ladies.
- LucíaMuchas gracias.Thank you very much.
- Daniel¿Tienen una reserva?Do you have a reservation?
- LucíaSí, para Lucía.Yes, for Lucía.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
