Introductions
How to say “where are you from” in Spanish
“¿De dónde eres?” is the informal way to ask where someone is from. Use “¿de dónde es usted?” for a formal “you”. The answer starts with “soy de” (I'm from) and the place.
In Spanish
¿De dónde eres?
Where are you from?
Say it: deh DOHN-deh EH-rehs
Other ways to say “where are you from”
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¿De dónde es usted?
Where are you from? (formal)
Polite, for strangers and older people.
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¿De dónde eres tú?
Where are you from?
With “tú” for emphasis.
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Soy de...
I'm from...
The standard answer: “soy de méxico”.
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Vivo en...
I live in...
When you want to say where you live now.
Example sentences
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¿De dónde eres? — Soy de Colombia, ¿y tú?
Where are you from? — I'm from Colombia, and you?
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Soy de los Estados Unidos, pero vivo en Madrid.
I'm from the United States, but I live in Madrid.
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¿De dónde es usted, señora?
Where are you from, madam?
How to reply
Soy de...
I'm from...
Good to know
- Use “ser” (soy, eres, es) for where you are from, because it describes origin: “soy de...”.
- Say “soy español / española”, “soy mexicano / mexicana” to give your nationality; the ending changes with gender.
Questions about “where are you from” in Spanish
How do you say “where are you from” in Spanish?
“where are you from” in Spanish is “¿De dónde eres?” (Where are you from?). It is pronounced deh DOHN-deh EH-rehs. You can also say “¿De dónde es usted?”, “¿De dónde eres tú?”, “Soy de...”.
How do you pronounce “¿De dónde eres?”?
“¿De dónde eres?” sounds like deh DOHN-deh EH-rehs. The capital letters mark the stressed syllable. Tap the speaker on this page to hear it.
What are other ways to say “where are you from” in Spanish?
“¿De dónde es usted?” (Where are you from? (formal)): polite, for strangers and older people. “¿De dónde eres tú?” (Where are you from?): with “tú” for emphasis. “Soy de...” (I'm from...): the standard answer: “soy de México”. “Vivo en...” (I live in...): when you want to say where you live now.
How do you reply to “¿De dónde eres?”?
A natural reply is “Soy de...” (I'm from...).
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