How to Say They in Spanish | Third Person Plural Pronouns
Updated for 2026, here’s a comprehensive guide on how to say “they” in Spanish. In Spanish, “they” is expressed using third-person plural pronouns that vary based on gender and formality.
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How to Say "They" in Spanish
In English, the pronoun "they" refers to a group of people or things. Similarly, in Spanish, there are several ways to express this concept depending on factors such as formality, gender, and regional differences.
Meaning of "They" in Spanish
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Browse all 4 volumes →In Spanish, "they" can refer to a group of people or things that includes both masculine and feminine nouns. However, when referring to a group of females only, the pronoun "ellas" is used (IPA: /ˈeʎas/). Similarly, for a group including males or mixed genders, use "ellos" (IPA: /ˈeʎos/).
In formal contexts or when addressing a group, "ustedes" can be used.
Translating "They" to Spanish
- Ellos: Used for a group of males or mixed genders (IPA: /ˈeʎos/).
- Ellas: Used exclusively for groups of females (IPA: /ˈeʎas/).
- Los/Las: Used before nouns to indicate plural subjects, e.g., "Los niños juegan en el parque" means "They play in the park." (IPA: /lo̞s/las/).
- Ustedes: Used in formal contexts or when addressing a group.
Regional Differences and Formal Contexts
The use of "ellos," "ellas," and "ustedes" can vary by region. For example, in Argentina, "ellas" is often used for mixed groups, while in Spain, it might sound overly formal.
In formal settings or when addressing a group formally, "ustedes" is the preferred pronoun.
Common Mistakes When Using "Ellos", "Ella", and "Ustedes"
Learners frequently confuse the use of "ellos," "ellas," and "ustedes." For instance, using "ustedes" in informal settings or forgetting to use "los/las" before plural nouns can lead to misunderstandings.
Sample Sentences for Each Pronoun Usage
- Ellos vienen a la fiesta.
- (They are coming to the party.)
- Ellas estudian juntas.
- (They study together.)
- Ellos y ellas son mis amigos.
- (They are my friends.)
- Los estudiantes en la clase, ¿quién es? Ellos son de diferentes países.
- (The students in the class, who are they? They are from different countries.)
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