Spanish YOU formal and other Spanish courtesy phrases

Today we will learn more about the Spanish you formal. First of all, you need to know that there are two formal pronouns in Spanish: 

• USTED (singular) 
• USTEDES (plural) 

The plural form ustedes is mainly used in Latin American countries while in Spain vosotros is usually used in both formal and informal situations. 

It is very important to remember that when using the Spanish you formal usted the verb must be conjugated in the third singular person, so the conjugation is the same as we use for él/ella (he/she).

Also, as we said before, in Latin American countries “ustedes“ is commonly used to address formally to more people. In this case, the verb conjugation is in the third plural person, so it is the same conjugation we use for ellos/ellas (they). 

Let’s see some examples: 

• Usted es una persona muy amable. Muchas gracias por su ayuda. (You are a very kind person. Thank you very much for your help)
• ¿Es usted nuestro profesor de español? (Are you our Spanish teacher?)

• ¿Ustedes quieren una mesa para cuatro? (Do you want a table for four people?)

• Todos ustedes han ganado un premio muy importante hoy. (You all have won a very important prize today)

• ¿Ustedes son los pacientes del doctor Quiroga? (Are you Dr. Quiroga’s patients?)

If you are learning Spanish and need to give suggestions, orders, or recommendations in a formal way, remember that you will have to use the subjunctive and attach the pronoun to the verb.

For example: 

• Dígame que necesita. (Tell me what you need)
• Consígame mis papeles inmediatamente. (Get me my papers immediately)

SPANISH YOU FORMAL: DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SPAIN AND LATIN AMERICA

In Spain, the formal pronoun usted is not used in common conversations. This form of politeness is only used with older people or on occasions when a certain formality is required. In spite of this, tú is the most common pronoun in Spain.

But what about Latin America? In the central and southern countries of the American continent, usted is used almost as a matter of course, although with some differences between states. For example, in some countries, children use usted towards their parents or even older siblings.

On the other hand, in some central states, the forms usted/ustedes are used regardless of age and even if there is a friendship between the people.

Finally, in other countries, the form usted is used to express deep affection, as is the form vos, whose widespread use has led to the emergence of a linguistic phenomenon called voseo.

SPANISH COURTESY PHRASES

Now that you know how and when to use the Spanish you formal, let’s learn some Spanish courtesy words and phrases that can always come in handy in a conversation.

• Por favor (Please)
• Gracias (Thank you)
• Gracias de corazón (Thank you from my heart)
• De nada (You are welcome)
• Disculpe (Sorry)
• Pido disculpas (I beg your pardon)
• Pido disculpas por las molestias (Sorry for the inconvenience)
• Lo siento (I am sorry)
• Con permiso (Excuse me)
• Perdón (Sorry/Excuse me)
• Perdóneme, ¿podría mostrarme el camino al banco? (Excuse me, could you show me the way to the bank?)
• No se preocupe (Don’t worry)

SPANISH FORMAL GREETINGS

Finally, let’s see some Spanish formal greetings that you can use if you need a professional closing for your e-mail. 

• Le deseo un buen dia (I wish you a good day)
• Gracias de antemano (Thank you in advance)
• Atentamente (Sincerely / Best regards)
• Le saluda atentamente (I greet you cordially)
• Un abrazo cordial (A cordial hug)
• Un cordial saludo (A cordial greeting)

Discover other formal and informal Spanish greetings that you can use in your everyday life. 

Once again, we hope we have been helpful with our lesson about the Spanish you formal. Keep following us for new and interesting articles and if you are interested in learning Spanish, we would like to remind you that our school offers Spanish lessons online throughout the year. Our native Spanish teachers will be more than happy to tailor a course totally adapted to your specific needs!

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