‘You’ en Español
Tú vs. Usted
Well, for most Spanish speakers there are TWO ways to say
“you”!!!
Tú
*At least when you’re speaking to just one person!
Usted&
TúTú is the FAMILIAR form of ‘you’ in Spanish. It is used when talking to:
• Friends• Family• People Your
Own Age• Children• Pets
UstedUsted is the more FORMAL version of ‘you’. It is used when talking to:
• Strangers• People Older
Than You• Authority
Figures• People You’ve
Just Met
In writing, usted is almost always abbreviated.
Ud.*It’s also always capitalized.
Tú vs. Usted
• Let’s look at the singular forms first. Each one has a specific time when it used. If you use the wrong one, it can be offensive to the person with whom you are speaking
Tú vs. Usted
• Tú (singular familiar) is used with people that you are familiar with or someone that you refer to by their first name.
• Usted (Ud.) (singular formal) is used with a person who you should respect, for example a doctor, teacher, elder, or an unknown person.
Tú vs Usted
Tú = you (informal/familiar)
Use “tú” when talking to people with whom you are on a first name basis.
friends
family
small children
people younger than you
pets
Usted (Ud.) = you (formal)
Use “Usted” when talking with people to whom you should show respect.
People in authority
(police, teachers, bosses, etc.)
Strangers
Acquaintances
Adults
Tú o Usted?Your Little
Cousin
Tú
Tú o Usted?el Doctor Morales
Usted
Tú o Usted?la Señora Hidalgo
Usted
Tú o Usted?Tu amigo
Carlos
Tú
Tú o Usted?Pepa
Tú
Tú o Usted?Your Boss
Usted
Tú o Usted?Your
Grandma
Tú
Tú o Usted?Uncle
Enrique
Tú
Tú o Usted?Your Friend’s
Mom
Usted
Tú o Usted?Your Friend’s
Sister
Tú
Tú o Usted?Professor McBoring
Usted