Today we will learn how to address people in formal and informal situations. If you still get confused by Usted and Tú, take a look at the blog of El Rincón del Tandem Spanish school.
This short explanation will help you use these Spanish subject pronouns properly. ?
Usted and Tú are two Spanish subject pronouns. We can use both of them to address someone.
So, when should we use usted and when should we use tú?
The answer to the question is quite simple: Tú is the informal form while Usted is used in formal situations. In Spain, the use of one or the other also depends on the level of intimacy we have with the person we are speaking to.
In order to avoid embarrassing situations and always be polite when speaking Spanish, let’s see in details what are the circumstances under which you Usted and Tú.
Use of TÚ
Generally, in Spain we use Tú when we speak to
– Friends and our family members
– People we do not know, that are younger or (more or less) the same age as us
– People who are older than us, but that we are intimate with
Use of USTED.
In Spain, usted is generally used in formal context and when we speak to:
– An unknown person in formal situation
– Generally, elderly people or people who are older than us
– A person in a position of authority, like a doctor, a professor, a director, etc.
When we address more people formally, we use the plural form (Ustedes).
Note.
If people that belongs to one of the categories above give you permission, you can address them using Tú instead of Usted. In this case, the person may say “Puedes tutearme” (You can use tú).
The verb Tutear means address someone informally (using tú).
IMPORTANT!
When using usted, the verb conjugation is the same we use for él/ella (he/she). That is the verb must be conjugated in the 3rd singular person and NOT in the 2nd singular person (like with Tú).
Also, when we address formally to more people (Ustedes), the conjugation of the verb is in the 3rd plural person.
Let’s see the examples below:
- ¿(Tú) hablas español?
- ¿Usted habla español?
- ¿Ustedes hablan español?
– ¿Usted es el Dr. Rodríguez?
– Sí, soy yo. Puedes tutearme
We hope this blog helped you to understand the difference between Usted and Tú.
If you want to know more about Spanish grammar, our Spanish school El Ricón del Tándem is glad to provide you with Spanish lessons in friendly and cosy place.
Have a good day!
