How to Say “Lady” in Spanish

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dama
/ˈdama/
The Spanish word for lady is dama.
Dama is an elegant and respectful way to refer to a lady, similar to the English term dame. It is often used in official capacities, such as in the title Primera Dama (First Lady) or in the standard formal announcement damas y caballeros (ladies and gentlemen).
Meaning: polite: woman (noun)

Which one should you use?

While mujer is the standard, neutral word for woman, dama is a more formal and respectful term equivalent to lady. If you are addressing women directly, you might use different terms: señora is used for married or older women (comparable to madam) and señorita is used for unmarried or younger women (comparable to miss or young lady). To show a very high level of respect, especially before a woman's first name, you can use Doña.

Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?

Dama is used in formal contexts, such as when referring to a person of high social standing or within official titles.

Is it said differently in some regions?

Dama is used in various countries, including Argentina, Uruguay and Mexico.

How does it change in a sentence?

The plural form of dama is damas.

How do you pronounce it?

/ˈdama/

When do people say it?

The phrase damas y caballeros is the standard way to say ladies and gentlemen during formal speeches or announcements.

Did you know?

  • In chess, the most powerful piece is often called la dama in Spanish, whereas in English it is called the 'queen'.
  • The word dama is used in the name of the Dama de Elche, one of the most famous and mysterious sculptures of ancient Spain.
  • The word dama has a hidden relative in the Spanish word dueña, which is used to describe a woman who owns or possesses something.

Examples in context

  • Él saludó a la dama.
    He greeted the lady.
    This sentence shows how to use dama to describe a person being greeted.
    Tatoeba #1627411 by marcelostockle, translation #383705 by CM
  • ¿Conoces a esta dama?
    Do you know this lady?
    This sentence uses dama to ask if someone knows a specific lady.
    Tatoeba #2216297 by marcelostockle, translation #754967 by CM
  • Ella fue Primera Dama.
    She was First Lady.
    This sentence demonstrates the use of dama in the official title First Lady.
    Tatoeba #4739585 by gianich73, translation #4759518 by cairnhead
  • Disculpe, señora, ¿sabe dónde está la estación de tren?
    Excuse me, madam, do you know where the train station is?
  • Señorita, ¿podría ayudarme a encontrar mi hotel?
    Miss, could you help me find my hotel?
  • Doña María, es un placer conocerla.
    Mrs. María, it's a pleasure to meet you.
  • Permítame, dama, ayudarla con su abrigo.
    Allow me, lady, to help you with your coat.
  • 40 more sentences on Tatoeba

Example conversation

Javier helps a woman with her luggage at a hotel.

  1. Javier

    Buenas tardes, dama. ¿En qué puedo ayudarla?
    Good afternoon, lady. How can I help you?
  2. Lucía

    Hola, Javier. ¿Puedes llevar mi maleta?
    Hello, Javier. Can you carry my suitcase?
  3. Javier

    Claro que sí, dama. Pase por aquí.
    Of course, lady. Please come this way.
  4. Lucía

    Muchas gracias por tu ayuda.
    Thank you very much for your help.

Sources

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Layla Ann
Layla AnnHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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