In French, the pronouns tu and vous both mean "you" but are used in different contexts: tu is informal and used for friends, family, or people your own age; vous is formal or plural, used for strangers, elders, or in professional settings. Choosing the right pronoun is important for showing respect and politeness.
Usage Rules
Tu is singular and informal. Use it for:
- Friends and family
- Children or younger people
- People you know well
Vous can be singular or plural. Use it for:
- Strangers and acquaintances
- Elders or authority figures
- Formal or professional situations
- When speaking to multiple people
When should you use "vous" in French?
Use "vous" for strangers, elders, authority figures, formal situations, and when speaking to multiple people.
"Vous" is the polite or plural form of "you." It applies in formal situations, with strangers or elders, and when addressing more than one person.
Verb Conjugations
When using vous, conjugate verbs in the vous form (usually ending in -ez for -er verbs). With tu, use the singular form (usually ending in -es for -er verbs).
| Subject | French Verb (parler) | English Verb |
|---|---|---|
| Tu | Tu parles | You speak (informal) |
| Vous | Vous parlez | You speak (formal/plural) |
Examples in Context
Informal (Tu)
- Tu manges une pomme. (You’re eating an apple.)
- Tu habites à Paris ? (Do you live in Paris?)
- Est-ce que tu veux venir ? (Do you want to come?)
Formal/Plural (Vous)
- Vous mangez une pomme. (You’re eating an apple. / You all are eating an apple.)
- Vous habitez à Paris ? (Do you live in Paris? / Do you all live in Paris?)
- Est-ce que vous voulez venir ? (Do you want to come? / Do you all want to come?)
Tips
- When in doubt, use vous to be polite.
- If someone invites you to say tu, you can switch to informal.
- Using vous shows respect and professionalism.
- Using tu too soon can seem rude.
Summary
- Use tu for one person you know well (informal).
- Use vous for one person formally or for multiple people.
- Conjugate verbs accordingly.
- When unsure, choose vous to be safe.
Flashcards (1 of 2)
- Subject: Tu
- English Verb: You speak (informal)
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
