pronoun

usted

you

Es una forma formal de hablar con otra persona, usada para mostrar respeto o cortesía.

Definition & meaning

Usted means “you” when addressing one person formally or politely. It is commonly used with people one does not know well, in professional or official settings, or to show respect.

Although it refers to the person being addressed, usted takes third-person singular verb forms: usted habla means “you speak,” literally using the same verb form as “he/she speaks.”

Its plural form is ustedes. In most of Latin America, ustedes is used for both formal and informal groups. In Spain, it is generally formal; the informal plural is vosotros or vosotras.

Grammar & Word origin

Usted is a subject pronoun. It is usually omitted when the verb ending makes the subject clear, but including it can add emphasis or clarify who is being addressed.

The word developed from the older expression vuestra merced, meaning “your grace” or “your mercy.” It was gradually shortened and reshaped into usted.

Synonyms & antonyms

There is no exact synonym, since the choice of pronoun depends on formality and regional usage.

tú is the usual informal singular “you.” It contrasts with usted in level of formality.
vos is an informal singular “you” used in some regions. Like tú, it is generally less formal than usted.

There is no direct antonym: pronouns such as tú and vos are alternative ways to address someone, not opposites.

Common phrases & collocations

con permiso — “excuse me,” a polite phrase often used when addressing someone formally.
a sus órdenes — “at your service,” a respectful expression.
de usted — “formal,” as in a form of address or register.