señor
/seˈɲoɾ/
In Spanish, señor is a polite title used to address a man.
señor is a formal way to address someone and is equivalent to 'sir' in English. While it can be used as a standalone address like 'Sir', it is most commonly used with a surname to function like 'Mr.'. When referring to a man in the third person with his surname, such as Señor García, the title is often preceded by the definite article el (el señor).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the term señorón is an informal variation of señor used to mean 'big shot'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine counterpart to señor is señora, which means 'lady', 'madam' or 'Mrs.'. To address an unmarried woman, use señorita ('miss'). The plural form of señor is señores, used for 'gentlemen' or 'sirs'.
How do you pronounce it?
/seˈɲoɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid combining señor with a person's first name, such as Señor Juan. In formal Spanish, you should use the surname instead, such as Señor García.
Did you know?
- In Spanish, you can personify inanimate objects by calling them señor to grant them a sense of prestige or importance. This gives an abstract concept a human-like dignity.
- The word señor is a linguistic double of the English word 'senior'. Both come from the Latin word seniōrem, which refers to someone who is older.
- Adding the suffix -ón to create señorón can transform a polite address into a sarcastic jab. In this form, it mocks someone for acting like a 'big shot' without having the status to back it up.
Examples in context
- Buenos días, señor. ¿En qué puedo ayudarle?Good morning, sir. How may I assist you?
- ¿Disfrutó de la comida, señor?Did you enjoy your meal, sir?
- Hola, señorón. ¿Vienes a la fiesta?Hello, big shot. Are you coming to the party?
- ¿Qué tal, señorón? Me alegra verte.How are you doing, big guy? It's good to see you.
- Buenos días, señor.Good morning, sir.
- El señor García está en la oficina.Mr. Garcia is in the office.
Example conversation
Elena is asking a man for help in a store.
- JavierHola, señor, ¿me puede ayudar?Hello, sir, can you help me?
- ElenaClaro, ¿qué busca usted?Of course, what are you looking for?
- JavierBusco el café, por favor.I am looking for the coffee, please.
- ElenaEstá en el pasillo dos, señorita Elena.It is in aisle two, Miss Elena.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry señor, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries señor, CC BY-SA 4.0.
