Word "Don/D./Doña/Da."

Question

Can we still use the word "Don" and "Doña" in the official way even nowadays??

Welcome to SpanishDict. - rac1, Oct 18, 2016

Answer 1

What's the "official" way? Even though I'm 62, there is one person in my life that is 20 years older than I whom I've known for quite a while, she will always be Doña Dellys. She's never corrected me :~)

Have a vote. - Daniela2041, Oct 18, 2016

Answer 2

"Don, Doña" are titles that are used also informally.

This title is bestowed on a person that you respect enough to call him "usted" but you are still permitted to use his/first name. This avoids calling them "señor or señora as if you really didn't know them well.

For example. Sir Ian Hill. He is a titled Englishman. He is a friend but I show him the respect his title merits. I call him "don Ian." (don is usually written in minúscula.)

don Ian

Lol - rac1, Oct 18, 2016