How to Say ‘Thank you, ma'am.’ in Mexican Spanish
Gracias a usted, licenciada.
GRAH-syahs ah oos-TEHD lee-sen-SYAH-dah
[GRAH-syahs ah oos-TEHD lee-sen-SYAH-dah]
🇲🇽 In Mexico: In Mexican offices, people with a university degree are often addressed as licenciada or licenciado, or licenciado shortened to lic. Using it with your boss is respectful and normal.
Phrase Breakdown
Gracias a usted,
GRAH-syahs ah oos-TEHD
Thank you
A polite reply when someone thanks you, like saying 'No, thank YOU'. 'Usted' is the formal 'you'. Link the words smoothly: GRA-sia-sa-us-TED.
—Gracias por venir. —Gracias a usted.
—Thanks for coming. —Thank you.
Words in this phrase
Gracias
[GRAH-syahs]
thank you
A polite expression of gratitude, useful in any professional interaction.
Después de la bienvenida, respondo «Gracias».
After the welcome, I reply “Thank you.”
a
[ah]
to
Preposition used before a person as the object of introduction.
Voy a a la mesa de empresas internacionales.
I'm going to the table of international companies.
usted
[oos-TEHD]
you (formal)
The respectful form of 'you', used with elders, strangers or people you show respect to.
¿Usted vive aquí?
Do you live here?
licenciada.
lee-sen-SYAH-dah
title for a woman with a university degree
In Mexico, people with a bachelor's degree are often addressed by this title. It shows respect at work. Stress: li-sen-SIA-da.
Buenos días, licenciada Pérez.
Good morning, Ms. Pérez.
Words in this phrase
licenciada
[lee-sen-SYAH-dah]
title for a woman with a bachelor's degree
Polite Mexican title for a female university graduate, used like 'Ms.' in professional settings.
La licenciada Pérez está en junta.
Ms. Pérez is in a meeting.
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