Which one should you use?
In Spain, vosotros is the informal way to say "you all," while ustedes is used for formal situations involving strangers, elders or professional settings. In most Latin American countries, ustedes is used for both formal and informal second-person plural address, rather than using vosotros.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The use of vosotros is primarily characteristic of Spain. In Andalusia, the verb conjugation for vosotros often drops the -d ending, such as in the form vosotros hablái.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form vosotros is used when addressing a group of men or a mixed group of men and women. If you are addressing an exclusively female group, use vosotras. Verbs conjugated for vosotros typically end in -áis (for -ar verbs), -éis (for -er verbs) or -ís (for -ir verbs).
How do you pronounce it?
/boˈsotɾos/
Did you know?
- The word vosotros is actually a compound of two separate words: vos meaning 'you' and otros meaning 'others'.
- While 'vosotros' is a staple of daily life in Spain, using it in much of Latin America can make a speaker sound like an actor in a historical period piece.
- Because vosotros is virtually unused in the Americas, it is almost exclusively heard in Latin America through dubbed movies or TV shows set in Spain.
Examples in context
- Vivimos en España, usad vosotros.We live in Spain, so use the "vosotros" form.This sentence illustrates the use of the form in Spain.Tatoeba #10014424 by ecorralest101, translation #10014463 by DJ_Saidez
- No usaríamos la forma "vosotros" si no viviéramos en España.We wouldn't use the "vosotros" form if we didn't live in Spain.This sentence explains that the form is used specifically when living in Spain.Tatoeba #10067592 by manufrutos, translation #10063279 by espamatics
- En España, se usa "vosotros", y en cualquier otro sitio, se usa "ustedes". Espero que sirva.In Spain, you use "vosotros," and for everywhere else, you use "ustedes." I hope that helps.This sentence highlights the distinction between using vosotros in Spain and ustedes elsewhere.Tatoeba #10021384 by manufrutos, translation #10014313 by espamatics
- Vosotros sois muy divertidos.You all are very fun.
- Vosotros vivís en Madrid.You all live in Madrid.
- Vosotros estáis equivocados.You all are mistaken.
- Vosotros habláis.You all speak.
- Vosotros sois de aquí.You all are from here.
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are talking to their group of friends.
- LucíaHola a todos, ¿cómo estáis vosotros?Hello everyone, how are you guys?
- DanielMuy bien, Lucía. ¿Y vosotros?Very well, Lucía. And you guys?
- LucíaNosotros estamos muy bien también.We are very well too.
- Daniel¡Qué bueno que estéis todos aquí!It is good that you are all here!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry vosotros, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries vosotros, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
