Spanish has two main ways of addressing others: formal (using usted) and informal (using tú). Choosing the right form depends on the situation, relationship, and level of respect or familiarity.
Pronouns and Usage
The key difference between formal and informal speech in Spanish lies in the pronouns used to address someone:
| Form | Spanish Pronoun | English Translation | When to Use | Example Pronoun |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Formal | usted | you | With strangers, elders, authority figures, or in professional settings to show respect. | ¿Cómo está usted? |
| Informal | tú | you | With friends, family, peers, or anyone you know well and speak casually with. | ¿Cómo estás tú? |
Notice that usted always takes third-person verb forms (like está), even though it means "you."
Key Differences
- Verb Forms: Formal uses third-person singular (like es, tiene), while informal uses second-person singular (like eres, tienes).
- Tone: Formal is more polite and respectful; informal is casual and friendly.
- Context: Formal in business, formal events, or when meeting someone older; informal among friends, family, and younger people.
Examples
| English Pronoun | Spanish Pronoun | Formal Example | Informal Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| You (singular) | usted / tú | ¿Cómo está usted? (How are you?) | ¿Cómo estás tú? (How are you?) |
| You (singular) | usted / tú | ¿Tiene usted tiempo? (Do you have time?) | ¿Tienes tú tiempo? (Do you have time?) |
| You (singular) | usted / tú | ¿Puedo ayudarle a usted? (Can I help you?) | ¿Puedo ayudarte a ti? (Can I help you?) |
When to Use Each
| Situation | Use Formal (usted) | Use Informal (tú) |
|---|---|---|
| Talking to a teacher | ||
| Talking to a close friend | ||
| Speaking in a job interview | ||
| Talking to a younger sibling | ||
| Meeting someone new at a formal event | ||
| Talking to a coworker you know well | Often |
Summary
| Aspect | Formal (usted) | Informal (tú) |
|---|---|---|
| Pronouns | usted | tú |
| Verb Conjugation | Third-person singular | Second-person singular |
| Tone | Polite, respectful | Casual, friendly |
| Common Situations | Strangers, elders, authority | Friends, family, peers |
Spanish speakers switch between formal and informal based on social cues, so it’s important to listen and adjust. When in doubt, start formal — it’s always safer to be polite.
You meet someone for the first time at a formal event. Which form do you use?
Formal (usted)
First-time meetings in formal settings call for “usted” to show respect.
When talking to a younger sibling, which pronoun should you use?
Informal (tú)
Within families, especially with younger siblings, the informal “tú” is commonly used.
Flashcards (1 of 5)
- Form: Formal
- When to Use: With strangers, elders, authority figures, or in professional settings to show respect.
- Example Pronoun: ¿Cómo está usted?
- English Translation: you
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
