Bolivian Spanish word
don / doña
Meaning: honorific for a respected, established figure
Other meanings
- respectful title for an older woman
- respectful title before a man's first name
Hear it in a real scene
Prepare for the family lunchMeet the Family and In-Laws, chapter 1
Start chapter 1 freeHow it is used in Bolivia
Don or doña goes with the first name, not the last name: 'Don Miguel', never 'Don Terceros'; doña Rosario. Warm and respectful, it signals respect without implying an academic title, and it is right on a form too.
It goes to respected elders regardless of the org chart: the portero can be don Hugo while the gerente is simply señor Antelo. Age and respect decide, not title.
With usted, it is the usual, warm way to address an older landlord or landlady, the owner of the house, the portero or portera, or an older neighbour: “Doña Rosario” for the landlady, “Doña Teresa” for an older owner in Sucre, “Don Hugo” when you speak or write to the landlord.
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Professional Introductions and Networking