Usté (en. You)

/us'te/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishSpanish
noun
A courtesy form used to address a person in the singular, in many Spanish-speaking countries.
You are very kind.
Usted es muy amable.
It is used in formal or respectful contexts.
Can you help me with this?
¿Usted puede ayudarme con esto?
In some regions, it is an equivalent of 'tú' but in a more formal context.
Do you have any questions?
¿Usted tiene alguna pregunta?

Etymology

It comes from the use of the second-person singular pronoun, derived from the Latin 'vostè'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

How are you?
A way to inquire about someone's state in a formal manner.
¿Cómo está usted?
I hope you have a good day.
A polite wish directed at a person.
Espero que usted tenga un buen día.
Allow me, sir/ma'am.
An expression of respect when offering help.
Permítame, señor(a)

Related Words

Informal way of addressing a person.
vos
Treatment variant in some Spanish-speaking regions.
vos
ustedes
Plural form equivalent to usted.
ustedes

Slang Meanings

Used ironically to address someone who behaves pretentiously.
Look at this one, speaking as if he were you.
Mira a este, hablando como si fuese usted.