madame
/mah-DAHM-eh/
madam
Depicting the manager of a brothel, often referred to as a 'madame.'
📝 In Action
La madame del local fue arrestada por la policía.
B2The madam of the establishment was arrested by the police.
Todos le temían a la madame, era una mujer de carácter fuerte.
C1Everyone was afraid of the madam; she was a woman with a strong character.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender and Articles
Even though 'madame' is borrowed from French, in Spanish it is treated as a feminine noun and always uses the feminine article 'la'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Pronunciation
Mistake: "Pronouncing it the French way ('mah-DAM')."
Correction: Spanish speakers usually pronounce all the letters, including the final 'e': 'mah-DAHM-eh'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Register Warning
Be aware that this meaning carries a strong, negative connotation and should only be used when referring specifically to the manager of a brothel or similar establishment.
Used as a formal title of address for a woman, similar to 'Madam' in English, often associated with French culture.
📝 In Action
El embajador saludó a Madame Dubois con una reverencia.
C1The ambassador greeted Madam Dubois with a bow.
En Francia, el título de 'madame' se usa para dirigirse a cualquier mujer casada o mayor.
B2In France, the title 'madame' is used to address any married or older woman.
💡 Grammar Points
Foreign Titles
When used as a title before a name, it is often capitalized in Spanish, similar to how 'Señora' would be.
⭐ Usage Tips
When to Use
Only use this meaning when referring specifically to the French title. For Spanish-speaking women, use 'Señora' (Mrs./Madam).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: madame
Question 1 of 2
If you are introducing your French female boss to a client, which Spanish equivalent or title is most appropriate?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'madame' a common word in everyday Spanish conversation?
Not usually. It is used in specific contexts: either when discussing French culture/people or, more commonly, when referring to the manager of a brothel. For general address, use 'Señora' or 'Señorita'.
How is the Spanish pronunciation different from the French?
In French, the final 'e' is silent. In Spanish, we pronounce the final 'e' clearly, making it sound like 'mah-DAHM-eh' (/maˈðame/).