Designáis

Designáis is the second-person plural present indicative form of the Spanish verb designar. It is used when addressing a group informally in regions that employ the vosotros form, most notably Spain. In many Spanish-speaking countries that use ustedes for “you all,” the corresponding form is designan (third-person plural) in the present indicative.

Conjugation and usage. Designar is a regular -ar verb. Its present indicative forms are: yo designo, tú designas, él/ella/usted designa, nosotros designamos, vosotros designáis, ellos/ellas/ustedes designan. The ending -áis signals the vosotros form. Designáis is used to express that “you all designate” or “you all appoint/name” depending on context.

Meanings and senses. The core meaning of designar is to designate, appoint, or name someone or something for a particular role, purpose, or label. It can also mean to indicate or specify something, such as designating a zone, category, or label. Common usages include designating a candidate for a position, designating a plan or option, or designating a person to a task.

Etymology and related forms. Designar comes from Latin designare, literally “to mark out or designate.” Related forms include designación (designation) and designado (designated). Synonyms in many contexts include nombrar, escoger, or señalar, depending on nuance.

Regional note. Because designáis is tied to the vosotros paradigm, its use is characteristic of Peninsular Spanish. In Latin America, speakers typically use designan for ustedes, or use ustedes with the third-person plural form, rather than designáis.