Formal Vs. Informal "You" | Free Online Spanish Lessons

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WHEN TO "TÚ" AND WHEN TO "USTED"

In Spanish there are two ways of saying "you": There's the informal form, tú and the more formal usted (often abbreviated as Ud.)

Whether you use tú or usted depends on a variety of different factors, but it can be a bit intimidating for English speakers used to addressing everybody as "you". Remember the basic difference is how intimate you are with the person.

Here are a few basic rules to help you avoid causing offence or embarrassment:

Use "usted" when...

• The other person is older than you
• The other person is in a position of authority (teacher, professor, boss, government official)

Use "tú" when...

• Talking to family members or friends
• Talking to someone the same age as you (who is not in a position of authority relative to you.)
• When someone asks you to! (They might say "Puedes tutearme" — which means they give you permission to use tú. It usually happens because your relationship has gotten closer, or because the other person simply wants you to feel at ease.)

What difference does it make when speaking Spanish?

The form of "you" that you use will change your verb endings. When you're learning your conjugations you'll learn both the formal and informal forms.

See the differences between tú and usted in these examples. 

Do you know where the house is?Play¿Sabes tú dónde está la casa? (informal)Play¿Sabe usted dónde está la casa? (formal)You don't have to payPlayTú no tienes que pagar (informal)PlayUsted no tiene que pagar (formal)Have a nice day!Play¡Que tú tengas un buen día! (informal)Play¡Que usted tenga un buen día! (formal)

Note: We've included the words tú and usted in the examples above, but it's very common for Spanish speakers to just leave them out. So make sure you pay attention to those verb endings!

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