bienvenidos, damas y caballeros
The English phrase "welcome, ladies and gentlemen" is translated into Spanish as bienvenidos, damas y caballeros.
This phrase is used to welcome a group of people to a specific event or location. It is a direct translation of the English equivalent, though the Spanish version carries a much higher degree of formality.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase bienvenidos, damas y caballeros is highly formal. It is typically used by hosts, masters of ceremonies or announcers at official events. Other formal variations include Bienvenidos, señoras y señores, Sean todos bienvenidos, damas y caballeros, and Es un placer tenerles aquí, distinguidas damas y caballeros.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective bienvenidos must agree in number with the subjects being addressed. Because damas y caballeros is a plural subject, the plural form bienvenidos must be used.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the singular form bienvenido, dama y caballero when addressing a group. Since you are addressing multiple people, the adjective must be the plural bienvenidos.
Did you know?
- While English speakers use 'ladies and gentlemen' as a standard polite greeting, using damas y caballeros in a casual setting like a local cafe might sound strangely theatrical or like you are performing in a 19th-century play.
- The word caballero originally referred to a knight or a man on horseback before it became a term for a 'gentleman'.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, a host might skip the 'ladies and gentlemen' part entirely and simply say Bienvenidos a todos to be inclusive, as the gendered damas y caballeros can sometimes feel old-fashioned.
Examples in context
- Bienvenidos, señoras y señores. Gracias por asistir a esta conferencia.Welcome, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for attending this conference.
- Bienvenidos, damas y caballeros, al gran teatro.Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the grand theater.
- Bienvenidos, damas y caballeros, a nuestra gala anual.Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to our annual gala.
- Bienvenidos, damas y caballeros, a la conferencia de hoy.Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to today's conference.
Example conversation
Mateo is introducing a formal gala event to the audience.
- MateoBienvenidos, damas y caballeros, a la gala.Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the gala.
- SofíaMuchas gracias por la invitación, Mateo.Thank you very much for the invitation, Mateo.
- MateoEs un placer tenerlos aquí con nosotros.It is a pleasure to have you here with us.
- SofíaEstamos muy emocionados por el evento.We are very excited about the event.
