Where are you from
Use this formal version when speaking to an older person, a boss, or someone you want to show respect to.
A more direct way to ask 'What country are you from?'. It's slightly more specific than the main phrase.
This means 'What is your nationality?'. It's a common and slightly more formal alternative.
—Hi, my name is Carlos. Where are you from? —I'm from Mexico.
Excuse me, sir, where are you from?
I notice you have a different accent. What country are you from?
—I am from the United States. And you? —I am from Colombia.
The choice between the informal '¿De dónde eres?' (tú) and the formal '¿De dónde es usted?' (usted) is the most important distinction. Use 'eres' with friends, peers, and younger people. Use 'es usted' with elders, strangers in formal contexts, and authority figures.
In these countries, it's very common to use 'vos' instead of 'tú'. The question becomes '¿De dónde sos?' (deh DOHN-deh sohs).
While '¿De dónde eres?' is standard, in the Bogotá region and some other areas, you might hear the very respectful form '¿De dónde es sumercé?'. 'Sumercé' is a unique pronoun used to show deference and kindness.
In Spain, for the plural informal 'you' (talking to a group of friends), they use 'vosotros'. The question would be '¿De dónde sois?' (deh DOHN-deh soyss). Latin America uses '¿De dónde son ustedes?' for all plural 'you' situations.
Saying '¿Dónde eres de?' — This is a direct translation from English. In Spanish questions like this, the preposition 'de' (from) must come at the beginning of the sentence. Correct: '¿De dónde eres?'
Using 'estás' instead of 'eres' (e.g., '¿De dónde estás?') — This is a very common error. 'Estar' (estás) is for temporary location ('Where are you right now?'). 'Ser' (eres) is for origin, which is a permanent characteristic. Always use the verb 'ser' to ask where someone is from. Correct: '¿De dónde eres?'
Using the wrong level of formality. — Using the informal '¿De dónde eres?' with an older person or in a professional setting can sound disrespectful. It's important to learn when to use the formal '¿De dónde es usted?' to show respect.
Found this useful? Save it for later.