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"El" is a form of "el", a definite article which is often translated as "the". "Usted" is a pronoun which is often translated as "you". Learn more about the difference between "el" and "usted" below.
el(
ehl
)
A definite article is a word that identifies a noun as specific or known to the speaker (e.g., the girl).
definite article
a. the
El gato está en el tejado.The cat is on the roof.
El teléfono estaba encima de la mesa.The telephone was on top of the table.
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usted(
oos
-
tehd
)
A pronoun is a word that stands in for a noun (e.g., she).
pronoun
1.
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
(formal)
(second person singular)
a. you
¿Me permite usted que le sujete la puerta?May I hold the door for you?
ustedes
A pronoun is a word that stands in for a noun (e.g., she).
pronoun
2. (second person plural)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
(Latin America)
a. you
¿Ustedes van a venir a la boda también?Are you coming to the wedding as well?
3.
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
(formal)
(second person plural)
Regionalism used in Spain
(Spain)
a. you
Ustedes pueden dejar sus chaquetas en el vestuario y seguirme al comedor.You may leave your jackets in the coatroom and follow me to the dining room.
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