grammar personal pronouns

Question

Could you please clarify the difference between "vosotros and usteds" (sencond person of plural)

Answer 1

Spain "vosotros"

Latan America "usteds"

I live in Costa Rica and have never heard the "vosotros" form used.

Might help

Subject pronouns (personal pronouns)

This is the first time I've seen or heard "usteds" so I assume that it is a typo common to you and MAria who asked the question. Is this so?? - geofc, Nov 16, 2012

true. the correct spelling is "ustedes" - unMica, Nov 16, 2012

Answer 2

You will still encounter vosotros outside of Spain, and ustedes inside Spain, so it is a good idea to be familiar with vosotros. However, if you only want to use one, definitely choose ustedes as it is more universal.

If you want to use both, vosotros is considered less formal and ustedes is considered more formal.

Answer 3

"Vuestros mercedes", collapsed centuries ago to "Vds." and pronounced "Ustedes" is, I was taught, the "officially correct" mode. However, time is changing it back to the earlier, classic, "vosotros". Note that the Catholic church has always used "vosotros" in sermons, publications etc.

Also note that some, mainly Central American, countries often use "voces". This last note is derived from interaction with a whole lot of different Central Americans who attended courses etc. organised by my wife in the 80s. In other words I'm reporting not guessing.