usted
/usˈted/
The English phrase "you (formal)" is translated into Spanish as usted.
Usted is a pronoun used to refer to a person when you want to show respect or maintain a professional distance.
Which one should you use?
While tú is used for friends, family and peers, usted is used to show respect or distance.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In many Latin American countries, usted is used more broadly than in Spain. In these regions, it is sometimes even used between close family members to show affection or respect.
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 él or ella.
How do you pronounce it?
/usˈted/
Did you know?
- The word usted actually evolved from the old Spanish phrase vuestra merced, which literally meant 'your mercy'.
- Switching from tú to usted during a conversation can be used as a psychological weapon to instantly create coldness or hostility.
- In some Latin American cultures, usted is used with children or pets to express a special kind of tenderness and affection.
Examples in context
- Buenos días, ¿cómo está usted?Good morning, how are you?
- ¿Desea usted algo más?Do you want anything else?
- ¿Cómo está usted hoy?How are you today?
- Usted tiene mucha razón.You are very right.
- ¿Puede ayudarme usted, por favor?Can you help me, please?
Example conversation
Sofía is greeting Alejandro at a business meeting.
- Sofía¿Es usted el señor Alejandro?Are you Mr. Alejandro?
- AlejandroSí, mucho gusto en conocerla.Yes, it is a pleasure to meet you.
- SofíaEl gusto es mío. Pase usted.The pleasure is mine. Please, go ahead.
- AlejandroGracias, Sofía.Thank you, Sofía.
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.
