señora

Señora is a Spanish honorific used to address or refer to a married woman or, in formal contexts, to an adult woman. It is the feminine form of señor, which derives from Latin seniores, meaning elder or master. The standard written abbreviation is Sra. and the plural is Señoras (often abbreviated Sras.). The male equivalents are Señor (Mr.) and Señorita (Miss or Young Woman).

The term is widely used in Spain and Latin America and signals respect or formality in both spoken and written language. Examples include addressing a patient as “Señora López” or beginning a formal letter with “Estimados señoras.” When used with a surname, it appears as “Señora González.” With first names, speakers may say “Señora Ana” or “Señora Ana María,” though formal correspondence often prefers the surname.

Señora contrasts with Señorita, which historically referred to an unmarried or younger woman; in modern usage, Señorita is less common in strict formality and may be avoided in favor of Señora for adults regardless of marital status. In some cultures, the honorific Doña is used before the given name to convey greater respect, as in Doña María.

In English-language contexts, Señora is typically translated as Mrs. or Ms., depending on marital status and preference. The word features a distinctive tilde over the n, reflecting Spanish orthography.