señorita
/seɲoˈɾita/
The English phrase "young lady" is translated into Spanish as señorita.
señorita is used to refer to an adolescent or young female. It is also the direct translation for the title "Miss" when used before a surname.
Meaning: an adolescent or young female (noun)
Which one should you use?
While señorita is the standard term for a young lady or "Miss", you should use señora if the woman is married or older to avoid being perceived as disrespectful.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin American countries, muchacha is a common informal way to say "young lady".
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of señorita is señoritas.
How do you pronounce it?
/seɲoˈɾita/
Did you know?
- In many Latin American countries, a female teacher is traditionally addressed as señorita even if she is married.
- The word señorita shares its root with the English word 'sir' through the common ancestor 'señor', which traces back to the Latin 'senior', meaning 'older'.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, señorita can be used as a playful or flirtatious way to address a woman regardless of her age.
Examples in context
- La señorita es modesta como una violeta.The young lady is modest like a violet.This sentence is useful for illustrating a comparison using señorita.Tatoeba #1870434 by marcelostockle, translation #3657493 by kerbear407
- La señorita quiere esto.The young lady wants this.This sentence shows how to use señorita to express a want.Tatoeba #463039 by lukaszpp, translation #463038 by lukaszpp
- ¡No te pongas descarada conmigo señorita!Don't get sassy with me young lady!This sentence shows a more forceful or confrontational way to use señorita.Tatoeba #601992 by darinmex, translation #601987 by darinmex
- Chica, ¿puedes ayudarme?Girl, can you help me?
- Señorita, ¿podría mostrarme el camino?Miss, could you show me the way?
- Gracias, señoritaThank you, Miss.
- ¡Hola, muchacha! ¿Cómo estás?Hello, young lady! How are you?
Example conversation
Javier is greeting Lucía at a formal event.
- LucíaHola, señorita Lucía, ¿cómo está usted?Hello, Miss Lucía, how are you?
- JavierEstoy muy bien, gracias por preguntar.I am very well, thank you for asking.
- LucíaEs un placer conocer a una señorita tan amable.It is a pleasure to meet such a kind young lady.
- JavierUsted es muy gentil, Javier.You are very gentle, Javier.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry señorita, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries señorita, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
