How and When to Use the Formal “You” USTED in Spanish | Beginner Spanish Guide
Description
Confused about when to say tú vs usted in Spanish?
In this beginner-friendly episode, we’ll help you understand how and when to use the formal you in Spanish — so you can sound polite and natural when meeting new people.
🎙️ In this episode, you’ll learn:
✅ The difference between tú and usted
✅ When to use usted depending on the person, place, and country
✅ How to say formal phrases like: • ¿Cómo está usted? • ¿De dónde es usted? • ¿Qué hace hoy?
✅ A short Spanish conversation using only usted
✅ Tips on how native speakers use usted differently across Latin America and Spain
Val (native Spanish teacher from Venezuela) and Em (Spanish learner from Australia) guide you through all the social and cultural context behind usted — with examples, pronunciation, and a recap of 3 key takeaways to remember.
🎉 Spanglish Friend Shout-Out of the Week
This week’s shoutout goes to Michelle from Episode 17 — gracias for completing the episode challenge and sharing your answer on Instagram!
✏️ Challenge of the Week
In the comments or on Instagram, write a formal question using usted. Example: ¿De dónde es usted?
💛 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your fellow Spanish learners!
Instagram & TikTok → @spanglish_friends
📧 Contact: spanglishfriendspodcast@gmail.com
📚 1-on-1 Spanish lessons with Val: spanishlessonsbyval@gmail.com
🎶 Music by @scotairdmusic
United States
