Usted (en. You)

/usˈteð/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishSpanish
noun
Pronoun used to address someone formally or respectfully.
Could you help me with this (formal)?
¿Usted podría ayudarme con esto?
Used in situations where deference or distance is desired.
I would like to know if you would be interested in the project.
Quisiera saber si usted estaría interesado en el proyecto.
Commonly used in Latin America and in formal contexts in Spain.
You have an appointment scheduled for tomorrow.
Usted tiene una cita programada para mañana.

Etymology

From Latin 'vosted', a variant of 'vos', which is a second-person pronoun.

Common Phrases and Expressions

How are you (formal)?
A formal greeting inquiring about someone's well-being.
¿Cómo está usted?
If you prefer
An expression that shows respect for another person's preference.
Si usted lo prefiere
Please, tell me (formal)
A polite way to ask someone to share information.
Por favor, dígame usted

Related Words

you (plural, formal)
Second-person plural pronoun used in formal contexts.
ustedes
you (singular, informal)
Second-person singular pronoun used in informal situations.
you (singular, informal variant)
Variant of the pronoun tú used in some Latin American countries.
vos

Slang Meanings

A diminutive form of 'usted'.
Saying 'ustedito' may sound more affectionate or familiar.
Decir 'ustedito' puede sonar más cariñoso o familiar.
Informal variant of 'usted'.
In some contexts, 'uste' is used informally to refer to someone in a friendly tone.
En algunos contextos, 'uste' se usa de manera informal para referirse a alguien con un tono amigable.