vostès

Vostès is the formal second-person plural pronoun in Catalan, used to address a group politely. It corresponds to the Spanish ustedes and to the French vous in terms of formality. The singular form of this level of address is vostè, while the informal second-person plural is vosaltres.

In Catalan grammar, vostès takes third-person plural verb forms. For example, you can say Vostès són d’acord? meaning “Are you (all) in agreement?” or Vostès poden parlar més a poc a poc, meaning “You can speak more slowly.” The singular counterpart is Vostè és d’acord? “Are you (singular) in agreement?” This distinction mirrors the formal/informal separation found in many Romance languages.

Regional and social usage varies. Vostè and vostès are standard in formal contexts across most Catalan-speaking areas, including Catalonia, the Valencian Community, the Balearic Islands, and parts of Aragon where Catalan is used. In informal or colloquial contexts, speakers often use vosaltres to address groups, reserving vostès for formal occasions or respectful address with strangers, elders, or authority figures.

Etymology and status. Vostè and vostès are part of a traditional polite-address system that developed in medieval Catalan, aligning with a common European pattern of using third-person forms to show respect. The forms are widely taught and used in written and spoken Catalan, though usage can vary by region and context, with some speakers favoring a more informal tone in casual settings.

See also: Catalan pronouns, tú vs vostè, vosaltres.