Ms. in spanish

Question

In English, when you don't know a women's marital status you refer to her as Ms. Blank, rather then Mrs. (married) or Miss. (single). What is the procedure in Spanish?

The question is very interesting; yet can we expect other cultures to have identical terms as we develop and create them? - kmaakheru, Oct 12, 2011

certainly not. I just want to know what to do in this situation. - eddiemendez9, Oct 12, 2011

Answer 1

I don't know if there is an equivalent to Ms. in Spanish.

But I have learned, through experience, when in doubt between "Señora" and "Señorita", opt for "Señorita" , unless the woman to whom you speak is quite senior. La señora will be flattered if you get it wrong; la señorita might be aggravated.

I agree. There's no equivalent to "Muss" (Ms.). - Gekkosan, Oct 12, 2011

I also think that "senior" applies to both age and /or status. A high executive should always be formally addressed as "Señora", enven if she's unmarried, unless she asks otherwise. - Gekkosan, Oct 12, 2011

Answer 2

At least in Puerto Rico, the term "Ms" has been translated as "Sa." It has exactly the same meaning as Ms in English, but apparently not too many people know about it or use it.

Thanks. Welcome to the forum. - rac1, Sep 19, 2013