How to Say They in Spanish Like a Native Speaker Today

Knowing how to say they in Spanish is essential for fluent conversation. This guide breaks down ellos, ellas, and every grammar rule you need to master Spanish pronouns like a native speaker.

Key Takeaways

• Ellos and ellas are the two main ways to say “they” in Spanish, depending on gender.
• Gender matters in Spanish pronouns — the group’s composition determines which form you use.
• Ustedes is the formal or plural “you/they” used across Latin America and formal Spain.
• Vosotros is the informal plural “you” used only in Spain, not in Latin America.
• Context and word order affect how naturally you use “they” in Spanish sentences.
• Practice with real conversations is the fastest way to internalize these pronouns.
• Common mistakes include mixing up ellos/ellas and forgetting gender agreement on verbs.

How to Say They in Spanish: A Complete Guide for Fluent Speakers

Every day, thousands of Spanish learners ask themselves how to say they in Spanish. It sounds simple enough, right? But here is the twist — Spanish does not give you one answer. It gives you several, depending on who “they” are, where you are, and how formal the situation is.

Think about it. In English, “they” works for every group. In Spanish, you need to know the gender of the group. You also need to understand the difference between Spain and Latin America. Just like people search for Wtw meaning in text or Ts meaning in text to decode internet language, decoding Spanish pronouns is a rite of passage for language learners.

This guide covers everything. You will learn the core translations, gender rules, formal and informal forms, and how to use them in real sentences. By the end, you will be saying “they” in Spanish like a native speaker.

Why Saying “They” Correctly Matters in Spanish

Spanish is a language built on precision. Every noun has a gender. Every verb changes form based on who is doing the action. Unlike English, where “they” stays the same regardless of context, Spanish pronouns shift depending on several factors.

Using the wrong form can change the meaning of your sentence. It can also sound awkward or confusing to native speakers. That is why mastering how to say they in Spanish is not just a grammar exercise. It is a key step toward real fluency.

Here is what makes this pronoun group special:

• Gender specificity — Spanish requires you to identify whether a group is male, female, or mixed.
• Regional variation — Spain and Latin America use different plural forms.
• Verb agreement — the verb must match the pronoun in both gender and number.

These rules may sound overwhelming, but they are easier than you think. Let us break them down one by one.

The Basic Translation: Ellos and Ellas

The two main ways to say they in Spanish are ellos and ellas. These are third-person plural subject pronouns. “Ellos” refers to a group of males or a mixed group. “Ellas” refers to a group of only females.

Ellos — They (Male or Mixed Group)

Use ellos when the group includes males only or both males and females. In Spanish, the masculine form is the default for mixed groups.

Examples:

• Ellos van a la escuela. — They go to school. (Male or mixed group)
• Ellos hablan español. — They speak Spanish. (Male or mixed group)
• Ellos son muy inteligentes. — They are very intelligent. (Male or mixed group)

Ellas — They (Female Group Only)

Use ellas when every member of the group is female. This is a simple rule, but learners often forget it because English does not make this distinction.

Examples:

• Ellas trabajan en una oficina. — They work in an office. (Female group only)
• Ellas estudian matemáticas. — They study mathematics. (Female group only)
• Ellas son doctoras. — They are doctors. (Female group only)

Quick Comparison Table

Spanish Pronoun	English Meaning	When to Use
Ellos	They	Male group or mixed group
Ellas	They	Female group only

Remember this simple rule: one female in the group changes everything. If even one female is part of a mixed group, you must use ellos. This surprises many new learners, but it is one of the most important grammar rules in the Spanish language.

Understanding Gender Rules in Spanish Pronouns

Gender is at the heart of how to say they in Spanish. Every noun in Spanish is either masculine or feminine. This affects articles, adjectives, and pronouns. When it comes to “they,” the gender of the people in the group determines your choice.

The Mixed Group Rule

This is the rule that catches most learners off guard. In Spanish, when a group contains even one male, the entire group takes the masculine pronoun. That means:

• A group of 10 females and 1 male = ellos
• A group of 5 males and 5 females = ellos
• A group of 15 females = ellas

Some people argue this rule feels unfair. But it is a core part of Spanish grammar, and native speakers follow it naturally. The good news is that once you understand the logic, it becomes second nature.

When Gender Is Unknown

Sometimes you do not know the gender of the people in a group. In such cases, Spanish speakers default to ellos. For example, if someone says “They are coming,” and you do not know who “they” are, assume ellos.

Special Case: Objects and Animals

Gender rules also apply to objects and animals. A group of feminine objects (like mesas — tables) would be referred to as ellas. A group of masculine objects (like libros — books) would be ellos. This adds another layer to mastering Spanish pronouns.

Formal and Informal Forms: Ustedes and Vosotros

Here is where things get interesting. Beyond ellos and ellas, there are additional forms for “they” or “you all” in Spanish. These depend on formality and region.

Ustedes — Formal or Universal “You All”

Ustedes is used in two main situations:

• Formal contexts in both Spain and Latin America (addressing elders, authority figures, or professional settings).
• Informal contexts across Latin America (addressing friends, family, or peers).

This makes ustedes one of the most versatile pronouns in Spanish. In Latin America, it replaces both the formal and informal plural “you.” It can also translate to “they” when referring to a formal group.

Examples:

• Ustedes son bienvenidos. — You (formal) are welcome. / They are welcome.
• Ustedes tienen razón. — You (formal) are right. / They are right.

Vosotros — Informal “You All” (Spain Only)

Vosotros is the informal plural pronoun used exclusively in Spain. You will not hear it in Latin America. It is what you use when talking to a group of friends in Madrid, Barcelona, or any other Spanish city.

Examples:

• Vosotros sois increíbles. — You all are incredible.
• Vosotros vais a ganar. — You all are going to win.

Comparison Table: All Forms of “They/You All”

Spanish	English	Region	Formality
Ellos	They	All regions	Neutral
Ellas	They (feminine)	All regions	Neutral
Ustedes	You all / They	Latin America / Formal Spain	Formal or informal
Vosotros	You all	Spain only	Informal

This table shows why understanding regional differences is crucial when learning how to say they in Spanish. Using “vosotros” in Mexico might confuse people, while using “ustedes” in a casual conversation in Spain may sound overly formal.

Using “They” in Real Spanish Sentences

Now that you know the core forms, let us see how they work inside full sentences. The key is verb agreement. The verb must always match the pronoun in number and, where applicable, gender.

Subject Position

Like in English, the pronoun “they” usually comes before the verb.

• Ellos juegan fútbol todos los días. — They play soccer every day.
• Ellas cocinan mejor que nadie. — They cook better than anyone.
• Ellos están cansados después del trabajo. — They are tired after work.

After Prepositions

When “they” follows a preposition, the form stays the same. However, note that some prepositions change slightly before certain pronouns. For example, “con” (with) becomes “con ellos” or “con ellas.”

• Hablo con ellos cada semana. — I talk with them every week.
• Voy a la fiesta con ellas. — I am going to the party with them (feminine).

As Object Pronouns

When “them” is the object of a sentence (receiving the action), the pronoun changes to “los” or “las.” This is another layer of gender rules.

• Veo a ellos. — I see them. (Male/mixed group — “los” as direct object)
• Veo a ellas. — I see them. (Female group — “las” as direct object)

Quick Tips for Sentence Construction

• Always identify the gender of the group before choosing ellos or ellas.
• Match the verb to the pronoun. Ellos + verb ending in -n. Ellas + verb ending in -n. Both plural.
• Use context clues if gender is unclear. Body language and prior sentences help.
• Practice out loud. Speaking helps you internalize the rhythm of pronoun-verb pairs.

Common Mistakes When Saying “They” in Spanish

Even advanced learners make mistakes with Spanish pronouns. Here are the most common errors and how to avoid them.

Mistake 1: Using Ellas for Mixed Groups

This is the number one error. Remember: one male changes the entire group to ellos. A group of 20 females and 1 male is “ellos,” not “ellas.” Native speakers do not make this exception, so do not make it either.

Mistake 2: Forgetting Verb Agreement

Some learners use “ellos” or “ellas” but pair them with singular verbs. This is grammatically incorrect.

• Wrong: Ellos es inteligentes.
• Right: Ellos son inteligentes.

The verb “ser” must be plural (son) to match the plural pronoun.

Mistake 3: Mixing Up Vosotros and Ustedes

If you are in Latin America, always use ustedes for plural “you.” Do not use “vosotros.” Conversely, if you are in Spain with friends, “vosotros” is natural and expected. Using the wrong form can mark you as a non-native speaker immediately.

Mistake 4: Translating “They” as “Ello”

Some learners try to use “ello” (which means “it” in a formal or abstract sense) to say “they.” This is incorrect. Ello is not a people pronoun. Stick with ellos or ellas for people.

Expert Insight

According to language coaches at the Instituto Cervantes, the most effective way to master Spanish pronouns is through immersive practice. Reading aloud, watching Spanish media, and engaging in conversation with native speakers helps internalize gender rules faster than memorizing charts alone.

Quick Tips for Mastering “They” in Spanish Like a Native

Want to sound like a native speaker? Here are proven strategies.

• Watch Spanish shows and movies. Pay attention how native speakers choose ellos or ellas in dialogue. Shows like “La Casa de Papel” and “Club de Cuervos” are great starting points.
• Read Spanish books. Start with children’s books or simple novels. You will see pronouns used in clear, straightforward contexts.
• Practice with a language partner. Apps like Tandem or HelloTalk connect you with native speakers who can correct your pronoun use in real time.
• Write daily sentences. Create five sentences using “they” every day. Alternate between ellos and ellas to build muscle memory.
• Listen to Spanish podcasts. Podcasts expose you to natural speech patterns and regional accents, helping you hear the difference between formal and informal usage.
• Do not fear mistakes. Every native speaker you talk to started somewhere. Making errors is part of the journey to fluency.

Conclusion: Speak Confidently with “They” in Spanish

Learning how to say they in Spanish is more than a grammar lesson. It is a window into how the Spanish language thinks. The gender rules, regional variations, and verb agreements all reflect a system built on clarity and precision.

Now you know the difference between ellos and ellas. You understand when to use ustedes and vosotros. You can build sentences with confidence and avoid the most common mistakes. These skills will serve you well in every conversation, whether you are traveling through Barcelona or chatting with friends in Mexico City.

The key takeaway? Practice consistently. Use what you have learned here in real conversations. Write, speak, listen, and read. Over time, choosing the right pronoun will feel automatic. You will stop translating from English and start thinking in Spanish. That is when true fluency begins.

Start today. Pick one sentence. Say it out loud. Make it yours. And take another step toward speaking Spanish like a native.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it ellos or ellas for a group of boys and girls?

Use ellos for any mixed group. Even if there is only one boy in a group of twenty girls, Spanish grammar requires the masculine form ellos. This is one of the most important gender rules in the language.

What is the difference between ustedes and ellos?

Ustedes means “you all” (plural you) and is used across Latin America and in formal settings in Spain. Ellos means “they” and refers to a male or mixed group. However, ustedes can also translate to “they” in formal contexts, making context essential for understanding.

Do I always need to specify gender when saying they in Spanish?

Yes, gender matters when referring to people. You must choose ellos or ellas based on the group’s composition. For objects or abstract concepts, the gender follows the noun itself. This is a core difference from English.

Is vosotros used in Latin America?

No. Vosotros is used only in informal speech in Spain. In Latin America, ustedes replaces both formal and informal plural “you.” If you are learning Latin American Spanish, focus on ustedes and skip vosotros entirely.

How do I say “they are” in Spanish?

“They are” translates to ellos son (for a male or mixed group) or ellas son (for a female group). The verb “ser” or “estar” must always be plural to match the subject pronoun. For example, Ellos son amigos means “They are friends.”

Can “they” in Spanish be translated as “ello”?

No. Ello is a formal or abstract pronoun meaning “it” and is rarely used in everyday speech. For people, always use ellos or ellas. For things, use the appropriate gendered article or pronoun based on the noun. Ello is not a substitute for “they” referring to people.