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"Doña" is a form of "doña", a noun which is often translated as "Mrs.". "Don" is a noun which is often translated as "gift". Learn more about the difference between "don" and "doña" below.
el don(
dohn
)A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
a. Mr.
Tengo una cita con don Carlos Jiménez a las dos.I have an appointment with Mr. Carlos Jiménez at two.
c. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Recibí una carta de don Pedro.I received a letter from Peter.
Don Pablo, ya puede pasar al despacho.Pablo, if you'd like to go into the office now, sir.
2. (colloquial) (before a common noun)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
a. Mr. (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
¡Mira quién habló, don Perfecto!Look who's talking, Mr. Perfect!
b. Mr (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
Aquí don Videojuegos no aparta los ojos de la pantalla.Mr Videogames here can't take his eyes off the screen.
3. (ability)
4. (literary) (present)
A word or phrase restricted in usage to literature or established writing (e.g., sex, once upon a time).
a. gift
Los tres Reyes de Oriente portaban dones para el nuevo Mesías.The Three Kings from the East bore gifts for the new Messiah.
5. (colloquial) (term of address) (Latin America)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
a. buddy (colloquial) (United States)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in the United States
¿En qué puedo servirle, don?How can I help you, buddy?
b. mate (colloquial) (United Kingdom)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
¿Cuántos quiere, don?How many do you want, mate?
la doña(
doh
-
nyah
)A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
c. Ms.
Doña Viviana Aguirre será una de las conferenciantes esta tarde.Ms. Viviana Aguirre will be one of the speakers this afternoon.
d. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Buenos días, doña Carmen. ¿Cómo está usted hoy?Good morning, Carmen. How are you today, madam?
Ahora la atiendo, doña Gloria.I'll be with you in a moment, Gloria.
a. lady
La doña que vende fruta en la esquina tiene sandía riquísima hoy.The lady who sells fruit on the corner has some delicious watermelon today.
3. (colloquial) (before common noun)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
a. Mrs. (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
¿Te crees que eres doña Perfecta?Do you think you're Mrs. Perfect?
b. Mrs (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
Doña Calamidad ya está preocupada por una tontería.Mrs Calamity is already worried about nothing.
4. (used to address a woman whose name is not known) (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
