usted
/usˈted/
In Spanish, the phrase for "you (formal)" is usted.
Usted is a common way to say "you" in Spanish when you wish to address someone in a polite and respectful manner.
Which one should you use?
While usted is used for formal situations, you should use tú for informal situations, such as when speaking with friends, family or people your own age.
How does it change in a sentence?
Even though usted refers to the person you are talking to, it takes the third-person singular form of verbs, which is the same form used for "he" or "she".
How do you pronounce it?
/usˈted/
Did you know?
- The word usted is a linguistic contraction of the much longer phrase vuestra merced, which translates to 'your mercy'.
- In Colombia, usted is frequently used between close friends and romantic partners in certain regions, replacing the informal tú.
- While usted is formal, some speakers use it to create a cold or distancing effect during an argument with someone they usually address as tú.
Examples in context
- ¿Cómo está usted?How are you?
- ¿Cómo está, señor García?How are you, Mr. García?
- Usted es muy amable.You are very kind.
- ¿Sabe usted dónde está el banco?Do you know where the bank is?
Example conversation
A customer is speaking to a clerk at a store.
- ElenaBuenos días, ¿puede ayudarme usted?Good morning, can you help me?
- MateoClaro que sí, ¿qué necesita?Of course, what do you need?
- ElenaBusco un regalo para mi madre.I am looking for a gift for my mother.
- MateoMuy bien, yo le mostraré algunas opciones.Very well, I will show you some options.
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.
