ustedes
“ustedes” means “you” in Spanish (plural form, addressing more than one person).
you, you all
Also: you guys
📝 In Action
¿Ustedes son de aquí?
A1Are you all from here?
Ustedes tienen una casa muy bonita.
A1You have a very beautiful house.
Quiero ir al cine con ustedes.
A2I want to go to the movies with you all.
🔀 Commonly Confused With
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: ustedes
Question 1 of 3
Which verb form should you use with 'ustedes'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Shortened from the old polite phrase 'vuestras mercedes,' which literally meant 'your mercies' or 'your graces.' Over centuries, it was squeezed down into 'ustedes.'
First recorded: 17th century
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'ustedes' formal or informal?
It depends on where you are! In Latin America, it is both. In Spain, it is strictly formal.
Do I always need to say the word 'ustedes'?
No. Since the verb ending already tells people who you are talking to, you can often leave 'ustedes' out unless you want to be extra clear or emphasize who you mean.
Why do some books teach 'vosotros' and others teach 'ustedes'?
Books teaching 'Spain Spanish' focus on 'vosotros' for friends. Books teaching 'Latin American Spanish' focus on 'ustedes' because 'vosotros' is not used there.