Usted versis ustedes

Question

Why is ustedes used sometimes for singular subjects?

For example, Ustedes hacen una tarta de chocolate deliciosa. - is translated you make... It seems to me it should be: Usted hago una tarta de chocolate deliciosa.

What am I missing?

Silvia Piriz · Accepted Answer

Hola Jack L
The confusion here comes from understanding the difference between "usted" and "ustedes" in Spanish.
"Usted" is the formal singular form of "you", used when addressing one person respectfully. It requires a third-person singular verb conjugation.
For example:
Usted hace una tarta de chocolate deliciosa. (You make a delicious chocolate cake.)
"Ustedes" is the formal plural form of "you", used when addressing two or more people. It takes a third-person plural verb conjugation.
For example:
Ustedes hacen una tarta de chocolate deliciosa. (You [all] make a delicious chocolate cake.)
The sentence "Usted hago una tarta..." is incorrect because "hago" is the first-person singular conjugation ("I make"). Since "usted" is treated like "he" or "she" grammatically, the correct conjugation is "hace". Similarly, "ustedes" requires the third-person plural "hacen".
In summary, "usted" is for addressing one person formally, while "ustedes" is used for addressing a group, regardless of how many cakes they’re making!
Hasta pronto
Silvia