usted
Formal singular "you" — used to address one person politely or respectfully.
Definitions
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1
Formal singular 'you' — used to address one adult politely (strangers, elders, authority figures).
“Por favor, ¿puede usted ayudarme con esta pregunta?”
Excuse me, can you help me with this question?
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2
Grammatical subject used with third-person singular verb forms (even though it means 'you').
“Usted habla español muy bien, señora García.”
You speak Spanish very well, Mrs. García.
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3
Used after prepositions to mean 'you' in a formal register (e.g. 'para usted' = 'for you').
“Este paquete llegó esta mañana y es para usted.”
This package arrived this morning and it is for you.
Word forms
- Plural
- ustedes
- Usage
- Abbreviated in writing as 'Ud.' or 'Vd.' Historically derived from the honorific phrase 'Vuestra Merced' (Your Grace), which is why it takes third-person singular verb forms.
Register: formal/polite. In Latin America, 'ustedes' also serves as the everyday plural 'you all' (replacing 'vosotros' used in Spain). In Spain, 'usted' is reserved for formal situations, while 'tú' is used informally; in many parts of Latin America 'usted' can also be used warmly between close friends or family as a sign of affection.