ustedes
/usˈtedes/
ustedes is the Spanish way to say "you (plural)".
ustedes is a pronoun used to address a group of two or more people, often translated as "you all".
Which one should you use?
In Spain, there is a distinction between the informal vosotros and the formal ustedes. However, in many other regions, ustedes is used for all plural "you" contexts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin America, ustedes is the only form used to address a group of people, regardless of the level of formality.
How does it change in a sentence?
The pronoun ustedes always takes the third-person plural verb forms, which are the same forms used for ellos or ellas.
How do you pronounce it?
/usˈtedes/
Did you know?
- If you are in Mexico or Colombia and use vosotros instead of ustedes, people will understand you, but you might sound like a character from a dubbed Spanish soap opera.
- In Spain, switching from vosotros to ustedes mid-conversation can be a social signal that the speaker is intentionally creating a cold or professional distance.
Examples in context
- Ustedes son muy amables.You all are very kind.
- ¿Ustedes quieren comer ahora?Do you all want to eat now?
- ¿Qué planean hacer ustedes?What are you all planning to do?
Example conversation
María and Mateo are talking to some friends at a party.
- María¿Ustedes están listos para la fiesta?Are you all ready for the party?
- MateoSí, estamos listos.Yes, we are ready.
- María¡Qué bueno que ustedes vengan!I'm so glad you all are coming!
- MateoGracias, María.Thanks, María.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ustedes, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
