don

/don/

NounmA2

Don?title of respect, like Mr. but more traditional

Also:Sir?when used before a first name

📝 In Action

Buenos días, don Carlos.

Good morning, Don Carlos.

Mi abuelo, don José, era un hombre muy sabio.

My grandfather, Don José, was a very wise man.

Le presento a don Miguel, el director de la empresa.

I'd like to introduce you to Don Miguel, the company director.

Word Connections

Antonyms

doña (the female equivalent)

Common Collocations

Don + [Nombre] – Don + [First Name] (e.g., Don Juan, Don Quijote)

💡 Grammar Points

How to Use 'Don'

Always use 'don' right before a man's first name, like 'don Alberto'. Never use it with just the last name. For the last name, you would use 'señor', like 'señor García'.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using 'Don' with a Last Name

Mistake: "Hola, don Martínez."

Correction: Hola, don Carlos. OR Hola, señor Martínez. Remember, 'don' goes with the first name, and 'señor' goes with the last name.

⭐ Usage Tips

A Sign of Respect

'Don' is a sign of respect and tradition. Use it for older men, your boss, or anyone you want to show extra politeness to. It often feels warmer and more personal than 'señor'.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: don

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'don' to mean a special talent?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

doña(title for a woman) - noun

donar(to donate) - verb

donación(donation) - noun

donativo(donation, gift) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the female version of 'don'?

The equivalent for women is 'doña', used in the same way: right before a first name, like 'doña María'.

Can I say 'Don Smith'?

No, 'don' is only used with a person's first name (e.g., 'don Juan'). To be formal with a last name, you should use 'señor' (e.g., 'señor Smith').

Is 'don' used in all Spanish-speaking countries?

Yes, it's understood everywhere, but its use is more common and traditional in countries like Spain, Mexico, and Colombia. In some other regions, it might sound a little old-fashioned, but it's always considered respectful.