Understanding Dominican Honorifics

An honorific is a form of address in the second person, usually implying the person's station in life or relationship with the speaker. For example, "Mister", "Doctor", "Miss" and "Officer" are English honorific titles. In the Dominican Republic, honorifics can be a little complicated in comparison to those in English. There are subtleties which must be understood so one does not offend.

Amigo and Amiga

In dealing with anyone providing you a service, it is acceptable to use amigo or amiga. For example, vendors at a market, servers in a restaurant, and salespeople at a store.

Usted

The literal translation is "you", and we all know referring to someone simply as "you" in the English speaking world is quite rude. This is true in the Dominican as well, except it doesn't hold true for total strangers. You can refer to some people with the word "usted"; these are people that you don't know and don't expect to get to know, or would like to keep at arm's length. The exception to that rule is the elderly, who are regarded with a great deal of respect.

Don and Dona

These are not first names or shortened versions of Donald or Donatella. They are honorifics that would be appropriate for the elderly and in front of their first name. For example, "Dona Maria" or "Don Jose".

Senor and Senora

Generally, Senor and Senora are the equivalent of Mr. and Mrs., yet they are also used in professional settings for even unmarried persons. When you refer to an acquaintance you can use "Senor Smith", until they give you their first name to use.

Compadre and Companero

In Spanish, a compadre is a "co-father" and a companero is a "co-mother". So, a child's compadre and companero are their godparents and they have a close family bond with the child throughout the child's lifetime. During the 1960's, along with the development of the Dominican Revolutionary Party, the term compadre came to incorporate the brotherhood of classmates and coworkers.

Mi Amor

In English it means "my love" but is not meant in a loving, derogatory, harassing or demeaning manner. It is much like the British tradition of calling someone "dear", a term of endearment. Men say "Mi Amor" to men, ladies to men, men to ladies and everything in between. Don't misinterpret this, it is simply a way of being friendly in the Dominican.

Try to speak as much Spanish as possible while you're staying in the Dominican Republic. Your efforts will be met with friendliness and patience, plus they will understand if you make a mistake. When in doubt, ask!


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