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How to Say "ladies" in Spanish

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chicas

/CHEE-kahs//ˈtʃikas/

NounA1Informal
Use 'chicas' when referring to a group of young women or girls in an informal, friendly way, similar to 'girls' or 'gals'.
A drawing of three young girls with bright clothing standing together and smiling in a sunny outdoor setting.

Examples

Las chicas están jugando en el parque.

The girls are playing in the park.

¡Hola, chicas! ¿Cómo estáis?

Hi, girls! How are you?

Voy a salir con unas chicas de la oficina.

I'm going out with some girls from the office.

Plural of 'chica'

'Chicas' is the plural form of 'chica' (girl). To make most Spanish words plural that end in a vowel, you just add an -s.

Referring to a Mixed Group

Mistake: “Using 'chicas' to talk to a group of boys and girls.”

Correction: For a mixed group, always use the masculine plural form: 'chicos'. For example, 'Hola, chicos' works for a group of all boys or a group of boys and girls.

señoras

NounA1General/Formal
Use 'señoras' as a general, polite term for adult women, often used in formal announcements or when addressing a mixed group, equivalent to 'ladies' in 'ladies and gentlemen'.

Examples

¡Atención, señoras y señores! El evento va a comenzar.

Attention, ladies and gentlemen! The event is about to begin.

damas

DAH-mas/ˈda.mas/

NounA1Formal/Traditional
Use 'damas' to refer to ladies in a more formal or traditional context, often implying a certain social standing or in specific events like formal balls or etiquette settings.
Three elegantly dressed women standing together, smiling.

Examples

Las damas entraron primero al salón.

The ladies entered the hall first.

Estimadas damas y caballeros, bienvenidos.

Dear ladies and gentlemen, welcome.

Always Feminine Plural

Since 'dama' means 'lady,' 'damas' is always used with feminine plural articles (las) and adjectives.

Informal vs. Formal Address

The most common mistake is using 'chicas' in formal settings or when addressing unfamiliar adult women. Remember that 'chicas' is informal and best reserved for friends or younger women, while 'señoras' is the safest general term for adult women.

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