The Role of "Vosotros" in Spanish: When and How to Use It Effectively

The word "vosotros" in Spanish often confuses both new and advanced learners. Some textbooks harp on it, while others don’t mention it at all. So what’s the deal with "vosotros?" What does this word mean? Do you have to learn it? And when, if ever, should you use it?

In this article, we’ll go over the meaning of "vosotros" in Spanish, explain its importance, and give you practical tips on how to use it like a native speaker.

What Does "Vosotros" Mean in Spanish?

So, what is "vosotros," exactly? And why are people so scared of it? 

At first glance, there is nothing too complicated about "vosotros" in Spanish. Simply put, it’s a personal pronoun that means "you all" or "y’all." It was likely created by combining two words: "vos" (you) and "otros" (others). 

Let’s take a look at a table of personal pronouns in Spanish:

While the above table may seem relatively straightforward, here’s where it gets complicated: not all Spanish speakers use "vosotros." Whether or not you’ll encounter this word will depend on which country you’re in.

Spain vs. Latin America: Where "Vosotros" Is Used

If you’re wondering when to use "vosotros," the answer is simple: when you’re trying to say "you all" and you’re speaking informally to someone from Spain.

If you’ve learned most of your Spanish in Latin America, chances are you don’t know much about "vosotros." This will, however, not be the case if you’ve been learning European Spanish. 

In Spain, the form "vosotros" is used relatively often. It’s a common pronoun there, and you’ll hear it all the time. But if you’re in Latin America, you will basically never come across this little word. The only country that uses "vosotros" other than Spain is Equatorial Guinea.

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When to Use "Vosotros" in Spanish

Now that you know that "vosotros" is mainly used in Spain, it’s time to get into when exactly it comes into play. For that, you have to consider the level of formality between you and whoever you’re addressing.

Formal vs. informal address

In English, we use the word "you" to refer to:

• a single person we’re speaking to informally (e.g., a sibling)
• a single person we’re speaking to in a more formal setting (e.g., a teacher or a boss)
• a group of people we’re on friendly terms with (e.g., a group of friends)
• a group of people we’re more formal with (e.g., coworkers)

However, in Spain, speakers of Spanish have a different word for each of the above categories. These are:

• tú (singular, informal)
• usted (singular, formal)
• vosotros / vosotras (plural, informal)
• ustedes (plural, formal)

So, "vosotros" in Spanish is used when you’re addressing someone you’re on informal terms with, such as your classmates, a group of friends, family members, etc. It’s basically the plural of “tú.”

Tip: During your language practice, focus on the difference between formal and informal you (both in the singular and plural). As this concept isn’t present in modern English, learners often get this wrong. It’s one of the most common mistakes non-native Spanish speakers make.

When to use "vosotros" vs. "ustedes"

But what if you’re speaking to someone you’re less familiar with? Should you still use “vosotros?”

The answer is no. If the group of people you’re referring to consists of your university professors, superiors, or elders, you should use "ustedes" instead. In Spain, this is the formal version of “vosotros.”

Simply put:

• Use "vosotros" in Spanish when you’re speaking to someone casually and informally.
• Use "ustedes" when addressing people in a more formal manner.

Note: This rule only applies in Spain (and Equatorial Guinea). In Latin America, "ustedes" is used in both formal and informal situations. 

How to Conjugate Verbs with "Vosotros"

The reason why so many Spanish learners dread "vosotros" is that it comes with its own set of conjugation rules. Even though its meaning is close to "ustedes," verbs conjugated with "vosotros" take on entirely different endings.

This may seem intimidating at first, but with enough practice, you’ll master it in no time, especially if you’re around native speakers from Spain. The more you hear it in use, the easier it will be to memorize. 

But to get you started, we’ve put together a helpful guide to regular verb conjugation with "vosotros" in Spanish.

Present tense

In the present tense, "vosotros" verbs drop the infinitive ending and take on new endings. For "-ar" verbs, use "-áis." "-Er" verbs require "-éis," and verbs ending with "-ir" are conjugated by adding “-ís.”

Past tense

In the past tense (also known as preterite tense), "-ar" verbs take on "-asteis," while both "-er" verbs and "-ir" verbs are conjugated by adding “-isteis.”

Imperfect tense

If you’re trying to use "vosotros" in a sentence that’s in the imperfect tense, you need to add the following endings:

• "-abais" for "-ar" verbs
• "-íais" for both "-er" verbs and "-ir" verbs

Future tense

When you’re using "vosotros" in the future tense of regular verbs, you need to add "-aréis" to "-ar" verbs, "-eréis" to "-er" verbs, and "-iréis" to "-ir" verbs. For example:

Conditional tense

For Spanish "vosotros" verbs in the conditional tense, add:

• "-aríais" for "-ar" verbs
• "-eríais" for "-er" verbs
• "-iríais" for "-ir" verbs

Subjunctive mood

For the subjunctive mood, "-ar" verbs take on "-éis" as an ending, while both "-er" verbs and "-ir" verbs take on the ending “-áis.”

Imperative mood (affirmative)

In Spanish, the imperative has two forms—affirmative and negative. Each of these takes on different endings. In the affirmative, use "-ad" for "-ar" verbs, "-ed" for "-er" verbs, and "-id" for "-ir" verbs.

Tip: To practice using "vosotros" in the affirmative imperative mood, follow along with this video by Señor Jordan:

Imperative mood (negative)

To form negative commands in Spanish with "vosotros," add the ending "-éis" for "-ar" verbs and "-áis" for "-er" verbs and "-ir" verbs.

Note: Don’t forget to avoid double negatives! This is one of the most basic and important Spanish grammar rules.

"Vosotros" Examples

Now that you know how to conjugate verbs with "vosotros," let’s take a look at some examples of using "vosotros" in a sentence.

• Present tense:
  • Vosotros miráis muchas películas clásicas. (You all watch a lot of classic movies.)
  • ¿Aprendéis algo nuevo cada día en clase? (Do you all learn something new every day in class?)
• Past tense:
  • Vosotros comisteis paella ayer. (You all ate paella yesterday.)
  • ¿Dónde estuvisteis el fin de semana pasado? (Where were you all last weekend?)
• Imperfect tense:
  • Vosotros escribíais cuentos muy creativos en el colegio. (You all used to write very creative stories in school.)
  • Cuando vivíais en Valencia, siempre paseabais por la playa. (When you all lived in Valencia, you all always walked along the beach.)
• Future tense:
  • Vosotros compraréis entradas para el concierto esta semana. (You all will buy tickets for the concert this week.)
  • ¿Estudiaréis juntos para el examen final? (Will you all study together for the final exam?)
• Conditional tense:
  • Si estudiaseis más, aprobaríais el examen. (If you all studied more, you all would pass the exam.)
  • Estoy seguro de que prepararíais una cena deliciosa. (I’m sure you all would prepare a delicious dinner.)
• Subjunctive mood:
  • Es mejor que descanséis antes del viaje. (It’s better that you all rest before the trip.)
  • Ojalá que terminéis el proyecto a tiempo. (I hope you all finish the project on time.)
• Imperative mood (affirmative):
  • ¡Leed el capítulo cinco para mañana! (Read chapter five for tomorrow!)
  • ¡Entrad por la puerta principal, por favor! (Enter through the main door, please!)
• Imperative mood (negative):
  • ¡No dejéis los libros en el suelo! (Don’t leave the books on the floor!)
  • ¡No completéis el formulario sin ayuda! (Don’t fill out the form without help!)

Difference Between "Vosotros," "Vos," and "Voseo"

If you’ve been learning Spanish for a while, you might have also come across the words "vos" and "voseo." But what do these little words mean? And how are they related to “vosotros?”

As you know by now, "vosotros" in Spanish refers to a group of people you’re addressing both directly and informally. It’s mainly used in Spain.

"Vos," on the other hand, is just another way to say "tú." It’s used when you’re speaking informally to a single person. The term "voseo" then simply refers to the practice of using "vos" instead of “tú.”

However, while "vos" and "vosotros" sound very similar, they’re actually used in completely different places (geographically speaking). Speakers from Spain use "vosotros," but you’d never hear them say "vos" instead of “tú.”

In fact, "vos" is only used in some Latin American countries, such as Argentina, Paraguay, Venezuela, and Uruguay. 

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Summary

In this article, we’ve covered everything there is to know about "vosotros" in Spanish, from what this little pronoun means to how and when to use it. Now go out there and impress all the native Spanish speakers!