No lo vi a usted ayer, senor Torres? Is this right?

Question

If "lo" means "you" in this sentence, why do you need "usted"? Shouldn't it be: "No lo vi a ayer" or either "No vi usted a ayer"?

Answer 1

Hi,

It is right to say "No lo vi a usted ayer, senor Torres", but is very repetitive because "lo" means "usted", is better if you say "No lo vi ayer señor Torres", this expression as ztech said, is formal.

I speak spanish and I'm learning english.

Answer 2

If "lo" means "you" in this sentence, why do you need "usted"? Shouldn't it be: "No lo vi a ayer" or either "No vi usted a ayer"?

The only way you know that lo is you is because a usted follows it. Without context the meaning of lo could be different. For example, No lo vi, I didn't see it.

No lo vi a usted is the right form.

If you were speaking informally, you could say no te vi ayer.

Answer 3

usted shows that you are being formal and is used when talking to someone you just met or someone you want to show respect towards.

So do I have to use both always or just to be formal? - kamackgirl, Oct 10, 2011