What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb ser (to be) in the second-person plural, the masculine plural article los and the superlative adjective mejores (best). Literally, it means "you are the best ones".
Which one should you use?
In Latin America, instead of using sois los mejores, you would use son los mejores to address a group of people. If the group being addressed consists entirely of women, the masculine article los changes to the feminine las in sois las mejores.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The form Vosotros sois los mejores is a regional variation used primarily in Spain.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form sois los mejores uses the vosotros conjugation, which is the second-person plural used specifically in Spain.
How do you pronounce it?
/sois los mexoɾes/
Did you know?
- The word sois is a linguistic oddity because it was formed by mimicking the structure of 'we are' and 'they are' rather than following the original Latin pattern for 'you are'.
- While 'the best' is a superlative, the Spanish phrase can be used as a genuine compliment or as a sarcastic way to say 'you guys are a real piece of work' depending on the tone.
- In some parts of Latin America, speakers use ustedes for both formal and informal groups, meaning son los mejores is used for both a group of close friends and a board of directors.
Examples in context
- Ustedes son los mejores compañeros de trabajo que podría pedir.You guys are the best coworkers I could ask for.
- Chicos y chicas, ustedes son los mejores.Guys and girls, you guys are the best.
- Familia, ustedes son lo máximo.Family, you guys are the greatest.
- Gracias por la ayuda, sois los mejores.Thanks for the help, you guys are the best.
- ¡Sois los mejores de este equipo!You guys are the best on this team!
- No sé qué haría sin vosotros, sois los mejores.I don't know what I would do without you, you guys are the best.
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are thanking their group of friends for organizing a surprise party.
- Sofía¡La fiesta es increíble, sois los mejores!The party is incredible, you guys are the best!
- JavierMe alegra mucho que te guste, Sofía.I am very happy that you like it, Sofía.
- SofíaGracias por todo lo que hicisteis.Thanks for everything you all did.
- JavierNo hay de qué, para eso estamos.Don't mention it, that's what we're here for.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries los, sois, CC BY-SA 4.0.
