Titles - use of señora?
In this modern time at least in the USA we have a lot of females who reside with partners but are not married. How would you address them if you did not know whether or not they were married. It is not polite here to ask that question so we just ask for the name. "Hi, my name is Janet Joplan, nice to meet you. My name is Julie Brown and nice to meet you." Miss, Ms., or Mrs. is not said upon introduction and usually we choose the safe route and say Ms. when typing emails. I know in spanish speaking countries titles are a very important part so how is this avoided?
Gracias
2 Answers
I think you just say señora. I don't think that is the equivalent of "Mrs." An adult woman, married or not, is la señora so and so, just as an adult man, married or not, is el señor. And the distinction between señorita and señora has to do with age, not marital status. Where the cut off is depends on context, the relative ages of the individuals involved, and so on.
J
While in Mexico I was told to address a woman, regardless of age, as "señorita" because it is flattering and polite. Thereafter, a woman who is married will correct you and say that she is a "señora" (a married woman or widow).
