usted
/usˈted/
The Spanish phrase for "you (formal)" is usted.
usted is the pronoun used to refer to the person being spoken to in a formal or polite way.
Which one should you use?
usted is used to show respect or maintain social distance. In contrast, tú is the version used for friends, family and peers.
How does it change in a sentence?
Even though usted refers to "you", it takes the third-person singular verb forms, which are the same forms used for "he" or "she".
How do you pronounce it?
/usˈted/
Did you know?
- The word usted actually originated as the phrase vuestra merced, which translates to 'your mercy' or 'your grace'.
- In certain regions, switching from tú to usted during an argument is a way to signal that a relationship has suddenly become cold or distant.
- In some Latin American countries, using usted can actually feel more intimate and warm than tú in specific family contexts.
Examples in context
- ¿Cómo está usted?How are you (formal)?
- ¿Usted quiere algo de beber?Do you want something to drink?
- ¿Puedo ayudarle en algo, señor/ señora?Can I help you with anything, sir/madam?
- ¿Ustedes quieren venir a cenar?Do you all want to come for dinner?
- ¿Cómo está usted hoy?How are you today?
- Usted es muy amable.You are very kind.
Example conversation
A client is speaking to a professional assistant at a bank.
- Lucía¿Puede ayudarme usted, señor?Can you help me, sir?
- MateoSí, por supuesto.Yes, of course.
- LucíaMuchas gracias por su tiempo.Thank you very much for your time.
- MateoEs un placer ayudarle.It is a pleasure to help you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry usted, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries usted, CC BY-SA 4.0.
