ustedes
/usˈtedes/
ustedes is the Spanish phrase for "you all".
ustedes is a pronoun used to address a group of two or more people.
What does it mean word for word?
The plural form ustedes is derived from the singular formal pronoun usted.
Which one should you use?
The use of ustedes depends on where you are. In Latin America, it is the standard way to say "you all" regardless of formality. In Spain, however, ustedes is used for 'you all' only in formal settings.
How does it change in a sentence?
As a subject pronoun, ustedes always takes the third-person plural verb form, just like ellos or ellas.
How do you pronounce it?
/usˈtedes/
Did you know?
- The history of ustedes is tied to a linguistic 'shortening' of a much longer, highly respectful phrase used to address royalty or high officials.
- When people in Spain switch from vosotros to ustedes, it often signals a sudden change in the emotional temperature of the room, such as moving from a friendly chat to a formal confrontation.
- In most of the Americas, using the informal vosotros instead of ustedes will make you sound like a character from a historical film or a textbook.
Examples in context
- ¿Dónde viven todos ustedes?Where do you all live?This sentence shows how to use ustedes when asking a question about where a group lives.Tatoeba #1423639 by marcelostockle, translation #687610 by lukaszpp
- Ustedes se creen gran cosa.You all think you are a big deal.This sentence demonstrates the use of ustedes in a statement about what a group believes.Tatoeba #10880276 by JSKabylie, translation #13207766 by jiraixu
- Sé quiénes son todos ustedes.I know who you all are.This sentence illustrates using ustedes to identify a group of people.Tatoeba #4398479 by pchamorro, translation #2376501 by CK
- Ustedes son un equipo excelente.You all are an excellent team.
- Vosotros sois bienvenidos a la conferencia.You all are welcome to the conference.
- ¿Ustedes quieren venir a la fiesta esta noche?Do you all want to come to the party tonight?
- ¿Vosotros queréis acompañarnos al concierto?Do you all want to join us for the concert?
- 25 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are inviting their group of coworkers to a party.
- María¿Quieren venir a mi fiesta ustedes?Do you all want to come to my party?
- DanielSí, nos encantaría ir.Yes, we would love to go.
- MaríaPerfecto, entonces los espero.Perfect, then I will wait for you all.
- DanielGracias por la invitación, María.Thanks for the invitation, María.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ustedes, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ustedes, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
