Dama vs. señora
The Spanish words 'dama' and 'señora' both translate to 'lady' in English, but they are used in different contexts and carry distinct connotations.
Dama
The word 'dama' is typically used to refer to a woman of high social standing, elegance, or nobility. It can also imply a level of sophistication and grace.
La dama de honor llegó temprano a la boda.
(The maid of honor arrived early at the wedding.)
Ella es una dama de gran elegancia y carisma.
(She is a lady of great elegance and charisma.)
En el juego de ajedrez, la dama es una pieza muy poderosa.
(In the game of chess, the queen (lady) is a very powerful piece.)
Señora
'Señora' is used more broadly and generally refers to an adult woman, usually married. It conveys respect but does not necessarily imply high social standing or nobility.
La señora García vive en la casa azul.
(Mrs. García lives in the blue house.)
Le di mi asiento a la señora en el autobús.
(I gave my seat to the lady on the bus.)
Buenos días, señora Pérez. ¿Cómo está?
(Good morning, Mrs. Pérez. How are you?)
Summary
While both 'dama' and 'señora' translate to 'lady', 'dama' often implies nobility, sophistication, or elegance, whereas 'señora' is a respectful term for any adult woman, typically married, without necessarily implying any social status.