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How to Say "women" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “women” is “mujeres” — this is the most common and neutral translation for 'women' in a general sense, suitable for most everyday situations..

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mujeres

/moo-HEH-res//muˈxeɾes/

NounA1General
This is the most common and neutral translation for 'women' in a general sense, suitable for most everyday situations.
A colorful storybook illustration showing three adult women standing together, representing the plural noun 'women'.

Examples

Las mujeres están hablando en el café.

The women are talking in the cafe.

Hay muchas mujeres importantes en la historia.

There are many important women in history.

El Día Internacional de las Mujeres se celebra en marzo.

International Women's Day is celebrated in March.

The Plural of 'Mujer'

'Mujeres' is simply the plural of 'mujer' (woman). To talk about more than one woman, you add '-es' to the end of 'mujer'.

Always Feminine

Because 'mujer' is a feminine word, its plural form 'mujeres' is also feminine. You'll always use feminine words like 'las' (the) or 'unas' (some) with it. For example, 'las mujeres altas' (the tall women).

One vs. More Than One

Mistake: “Vi a una mujeres en la tienda.”

Correction: Vi a una mujer en la tienda. Remember to use 'mujer' for just one woman and 'mujeres' for two or more.

damas

DAH-mas/ˈda.mas/

NounA1Formal/Respectful
Use this term when referring to women in a more formal or respectful manner, often in social settings or when addressing them politely.
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.

señoras

NounA1Formal/Respectful
This word specifically refers to adult women, often used when addressing a group that includes married women or in formal introductions like 'ladies and gentlemen'.

Examples

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

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

minas

MEE-nahs/ˈminas/

NounB1Informal
This is a very informal and colloquial term used among friends to refer to women or girls, similar to 'girls' or 'chicks' in English.
A simple storybook illustration showing two smiling young women standing side-by-side on a sunny day.

Examples

¿Viste a esas minas en el concierto? ¡Qué buena onda!

Did you see those girls at the concert? They were really cool!

Todas las minas de mi clase están estudiando mucho para el examen.

All the women in my class are studying hard for the exam.

Plural Noun

This is the plural form of the noun 'mina' (meaning 'girl' in this context). It's used just like 'chicas' or 'mujeres'.

Using Slang Universally

Mistake: “Using 'minas' in formal settings or outside of the Southern Cone/Andean regions.”

Correction: Use 'chicas' or 'mujeres' when traveling outside of countries like Argentina or Chile, or in professional situations.

Choosing between 'mujeres', 'damas', and 'señoras'

Learners often confuse 'mujeres', 'damas', and 'señoras'. Remember that 'mujeres' is the general, neutral term. Use 'damas' for politeness or in more formal social contexts, and 'señoras' specifically for adult women, especially in formal address or when referring to married women.

Related Translations

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