Usted and Ustedes

Question

Whats the difference between these two and when do i use them? Is ustedes like saying "you all"?

Answer 1

Usted - formal you when you are speaking to an older person, somebody you don't know or a professor, physician, etc. eg, Doctor, ¿Es usted norteamericano?

Ustedes- formal and informal when adressing more than one person. Here in Southern USA it would translate to "y'all". Ustedes no estudian muy bien. "¿Van ustedes al cine? Actually, you wouldn't spell them out. You would use Ud. or Uds.

I'd only add that in some countries Ud is used much more than to older people and/or professionals. Anyone who is not a child, close friend, or family is Usted in those places. - DonK, May 26, 2011