If you’re learning Spanish or chatting with Spanish-speaking friends, you’ve probably heard the word ustedes. Maybe you’ve wondered, “What does ‘ustedes’ mean, and when should I use it?”
Understanding the ustedes meaning is important because it’s one of the key ways to address multiple people in Spanish, whether in conversation, text, or formal communication. Updated for 2026, this guide breaks down what ustedes means, how to use it correctly, and examples to make it easy to remember.
What Does “Ustedes” Meaning?
Ustedes is the formal or standard Spanish word for “you all” or “you guys” when addressing more than one person.
Key Points About Ustedes
Ustedes = You (plural)
Used for addressing two or more people
Common in both formal and informal contexts in Latin America
In Spain, vosotros is used for informal situations instead
Origin of Ustedes
Comes from the phrase “Vuestras Mercedes” (your graces) in Old Spanish
Shortened over time to ustedes
Traditionally formal, but now standard in Latin American Spanish
How People Use “Ustedes” in Real Conversations
Ustedes is widely used in everyday Spanish and appears in:
Platforms and Situations
Texting and messaging apps
Classroom or school conversations
Work or business communication
Social media posts
Group discussions
When Ustedes Is Appropriate
Addressing any group of people in Latin America
Formal situations like meetings or presentations
Writing polite emails or letters
Asking questions or giving instructions to a group
When Vosotros Is Used Instead
In Spain, vosotros is used for informal situations with multiple people
Ustedes in Spain is reserved for formal situations
Real-Life Examples of “Ustedes” in Sentences
Example 1
“¿Ustedes quieren café?”
Explanation: “Do you all want coffee?” — addressing a group politely.
Example 2
“Ustedes son muy amables.”
Explanation: “You all are very kind.” — complimenting a group.
Example 3
“¿Dónde están ustedes?”
Explanation: “Where are you all?” — asking a group for their location.
Example 4
“Ustedes deben entregar el proyecto mañana.”
Explanation: “You all must submit the project tomorrow.” — giving instructions.
Example 5
“Gracias a ustedes por ayudarme.”
Explanation: “Thanks to you all for helping me.” — showing gratitude to a group.
Common Mistakes & Misunderstandings
Even beginners make mistakes when using ustedes.
Common Errors
Using ustedes for one person:
Ustedes is always plural. For one person, use usted.Confusing usted vs ustedes:
Usted = you (singular formal)
Ustedes = you all (plural, formal in Spain, standard in Latin America)Mixing vosotros and ustedes incorrectly:
Vosotros is informal plural in Spain; in Latin America, it’s rarely used.Incorrect verb conjugation:
Ustedes requires third-person plural verbs, e.g., “Ustedes hablan” (You all speak).
Related Words and Concepts
Other Spanish pronouns related to ustedes:
Tú: You (singular, informal)
Usted: You (singular, formal)
Vosotros: You all (plural informal, Spain only)
Ellos/Ellas: They (male/female)
Internal linking tip: These pair well with articles like usted meaning, vosotros meaning, or tú vs usted guide.
FAQs
What does ustedes mean in English?
Ustedes means “you all” or “you guys” when addressing a group.
Is ustedes formal or informal?
In Latin America, it’s standard for all situations. In Spain, it’s formal.
How do you conjugate verbs with ustedes?
Use third-person plural verbs, e.g., “ustedes hablan” = “you all speak.”
Can I use ustedes for friends?
Yes, in Latin America, it’s common even among friends. In Spain, use vosotros for informal friends.
Is ustedes singular or plural?
Plural — always used for two or more people.
Conclusion
The ustedes meaning is simple once you understand its use: it’s the plural form of “you” in Spanish, essential for speaking politely or addressing groups. Whether texting, in class, or at work, knowing ustedes vs usted vs vosotros makes your Spanish much clearer and more accurate.