Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “yours” in Spanish! Whether you need to express ownership, establish relationships, or navigate formal and informal conversations, we’ve got you covered. Let’s explore the various ways to express “yours” in Spanish, highlighting both formal and informal usages and providing helpful tips and examples throughout.
Table of Contents
1. “Tuyo” and “Tuya” – Informal Possession
If you want to say “yours” to refer to something that belongs to a friend, family member, or someone you have a close relationship with, use “tuyo” when referring to a masculine noun and “tuya” when referring to a feminine noun. Here are some examples:
La bicicleta es tuya. (The bicycle is yours.)
Las ideas son tuyas. (The ideas are yours.)
2. “Suyo” and “Suya” – Formal Possession
To express “yours” formally, use “suyo” for both masculine and feminine nouns. This form is ideal when addressing people of higher rank or strangers in a formal setting. Examples:
El perro es suyo. (The dog is yours.)
Las pertenencias son suyas. (The belongings are yours.)
3. “Vuestro” and “Vuestra” – Informal Possession (Spain)
In Spain, the second-person plural is used to address multiple people in an informal situation. When referring to something that belongs to friends or family members, use “vuestro” if it’s a masculine noun and “vuestra” if it’s a feminine noun. Examples:
El coche es vuestro. (The car is yours.)
Las habitaciones son vuestras. (The rooms are yours.)
4. “Suyo” – Formal Possession (Latin America)
In most Latin American countries, the formal form of “yours” is the same as the third person’s singular possessive, “suyo.” This usage applies to both masculine and feminine nouns. Examples:
El libro es suyo. (The book is yours.)
Las pertenencias son suyas. (The belongings are yours.)
5. Tips for Proper Usage
5.1. Determining Gender
To match “yours” with the corresponding noun, pay attention to its gender. Masculine nouns require “tuyo,” “suyo,” or “vuestro,” while feminine nouns demand “tuya,” “suya,” or “vuestra.”
5.2. Plural Forms
If you want to express ownership for multiple items, change the endings of the possessive pronouns. For masculine nouns, use “tuyos,” “suyos,” or “vuestros,” and for feminine nouns, use “tuyas,” “suyas,” or “vuestras.”
5.3. Stay Mindful of Context
In Spanish, the context in which you use “yours” may vary. Make sure to consider the formality of the situation and the regional variations we mentioned earlier to ensure appropriate usage.
6. Summary
Mastering how to say “yours” in Spanish is vital to effectively communicate possession and maintain proper etiquette. Remember to use “tuyo” and “tuya” for informal circumstances, “suyo” for formal occasions, “vuestro” and “vuestra” for informal situations in Spain, and “suyo” for formal situations in most Latin American countries.
By following the tips provided in this guide, you’ll be able to confidently express ownership in various contexts, using the appropriate Spanish term for “yours.” ¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)
