How to Say ‘Where are you from? (formal)’ in Mexican Spanish
¿De dónde es usted?
deh DOHN-deh ehs oos-TEHD
[deh DOHN-deh ehs oos-TEHD]
Phrase Breakdown
¿De dónde
deh DOHN-deh
From where
This opens questions about origin. Stress 'DÓN-de'. The 'd' sounds are soft, with your tongue touching your teeth.
¿De dónde vienes?
Where are you coming from?
Words in this phrase
De
[deh]
from
Preposition meaning 'from' or 'of,' depending on context.
Vengo de una conferencia sobre liderazgo.
I come from a conference about leadership.
dónde
[DOHN-deh]
Where
Asks for the location of something.
Le pregunté, '¿Dónde' está la fiesta?
I asked, 'Where' is the party?
es usted?
ehs oos-TEHD
are you (formal)
'Es' is the formal 'you are'. Link the words smoothly: 'e-sus-TED'.
¿Es usted el doctor?
Are you the doctor?
Words in this phrase
es
[ehs]
are (formal you)
Form of 'ser' used with usted, the polite 'you'.
Usted es muy amable.
You are very kind.
usted
[oos-TEHD]
you (formal)
“Usted” is the respectful form of “you,” often appropriate with a mother-in-law or father-in-law.
Esto es para usted, señora.
This is for you, ma’am.
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