Tú vs. usted Formal and Informal
Tú vs. usted Both tú and usted (ud.) mean “you” in Spanish. Tú and usted are used differently Tú = informal Usted = formal
Formal Use the formal (ud.): Ejemplos: With an older person Somone you do not know well Someone you need to show respect to. Ejemplos: La policia (police), el jefe (boss), el presidente (the president) Mr. Smith your neighbor, Prof. Ramirez your teacher, Juan who you just met.
Informal Use the informal (tú): Ejemplos: With a younger person Somone you know well Family, friends, etc. Ejemplos: Los amigos, otros alumnos (other students), la familia (family) Rogelio who is 5, Marta your sister, Esteban your friend.
Tú vs. usted Mi amigo Paco, ¿Cómo _______ _____? (ser) Mi profesora Smith, ¿Cómo _______ _______? (ser) eres tú es usted
Plurales The plural of usted is ustedes. The plural of tú is: Vosotros (in Spain) Ustedes (all other countries)