señora
/seˈɲoɾa/feminine
The Spanish word for madam is señora.
señora is a polite term of address for a woman. In many Spanish-speaking cultures, it is used as a respectful way to address any woman, particularly if she is older or in a position of authority, regardless of her marital status.
Meaning: polite term of address to a woman (noun)
Which one should you use?
While señora is typically used for a married woman or a woman of a certain age, señorita is used for an unmarried woman or a young woman. To address a man, use the masculine counterpart señor.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Doña is used in Latin American countries to address an older, respected woman formally.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of señora is señoras.
How do you pronounce it?
/seˈɲoɾa/
Did you know?
- The masculine version señorito is often used ironically to describe a spoiled young man who expects to be served.
- While señora is used with surnames, the high-respect title doña is uniquely paired with a woman's first name.
- The diminutive form señorita can be used not just for young women, but as a professional title for female teachers in some Latin American schools.
Examples in context
- ¡Por favor, señora, ayúdese a usted misma!Please, madam, help yourself!This sentence demonstrates how to use señora when addressing a woman politely.Tatoeba #10307906 by saverius, translation #405978 by Dorenda
- ¿No quería la señora Rodríguez ver mi redacción?Didn't madam Rodriguez want to see my essay?This sentence shows how to use señora when referring to a woman by her surname.Tatoeba #434501 by lukaszpp, translation #434500 by lukaszpp
- Buenos días, señora García. ¿Cómo puedo ayudarle hoy?Good morning, Mrs. García. How can I assist you today?
- Doña Laura, es un placer tenerla aquíMadam Laura, it's a pleasure to have you here
- ¡Seño, tengo una pregunta!Miss, I have a question!
- Buenos días, señora.Good morning, madam.
Example conversation
Mateo is returning a lost wallet to María in a cafe.
- MateoDisculpe, señora, creo que esto es suyo.Excuse me, madam, I think this is yours.
- María¡Oh, muchas gracias, joven!Oh, thank you very much, young man!
- MateoDe nada, señora. Que tenga un buen día.You're welcome, madam. Have a nice day.
- MaríaIgualmente, gracias por su amabilidad.Likewise, thank you for your kindness.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “madam” translations and entries señora, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
