1. “Ellos” is used for a group of males or a mixed group of males and females.
2. “Ellas” is used for a group of females.
3. “Ustedes” is used for a group of people regardless of gender.
How to say “They” in Spanish
Introduction
When learning a new language, it is essential to grasp the basic pronouns to express different subjects. In Spanish, the word “they” is used to refer to a group of people or objects. However, unlike English, Spanish has different forms for “they” depending on whether the group is composed of males, females, or a mix of both. In this article, we will explore the different ways to say “they” in Spanish and provide examples to help you understand their usage.Ellos – Masculine Group
The most common way to say “they” in Spanish when referring to a group of males or a mixed group is “ellos.” This form is used when the group consists of all males or when it includes both males and females. Let’s look at some examples:- Ellos son mis amigos. (They are my friends.)- Ellos estudian en la universidad. (They study at the university.)- Ellos están felices. (They are happy.)Ellas – Feminine Group
When referring to a group composed entirely of females, the word “ellas” is used. This form is similar to “ellos” but specifically denotes a group of females. Here are some examples:- Ellas son mis hermanas. (They are my sisters.)- Ellas trabajan juntas. (They work together.)- Ellas están cansadas. (They are tired.)Vosotros/Vosotras – Informal Plural
In Spain, the informal plural form of “they” is “vosotros” for a group of males or a mixed group, and “vosotras” for a group of females. This form is mainly used in Spain and is less common in Latin American countries. Let’s see some examples:- Vosotros sois muy simpáticos. (You all are very nice.)- Vosotras vais al cine esta noche. (You all are going to the movies tonight.)- Vosotros estáis estudiando español. (You all are studying Spanish.)Ustedes – Formal Plural
In most Spanish-speaking countries, the formal plural form of “they” is “ustedes.” This form is used to address a group of people, regardless of their gender, in a polite and respectful manner. Here are some examples:- Ustedes son muy amables. (You all are very kind.)- Ustedes trabajan duro. (You all work hard.)- Ustedes están invitados a la fiesta. (You all are invited to the party.)Conclusion
In Spanish, the word “they” has different forms depending on the gender and formality of the group being referred to. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for effective communication in Spanish. Remember to use “ellos” for a group of males or a mixed group, “ellas” for a group of females, “vosotros/vosotras” for an informal plural group in Spain, and “ustedes” for a formal plural group in most Spanish-speaking countries. Practice using these pronouns in various contexts to improve your fluency and accuracy in Spanish. ¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)Impeachment in Spanish
