When do I use 'tu' and when do I use 'vous'?

Tu and vous both mean 'you', however tu is much more informal and familiar and vous is more formal and polite. You would say tu when speaking to a friend, family member etc, and vous when speaking to an adult you don't know, a teacher or in a formal situation.
tutoyer means to call someone tu
vouvoyer means to call someone vous
It is often asked when first meeting someone: On peut se tutoyer? (Can we call eachother tu ?)
 

AW
Answered by Azelie W. French tutor

4240 Views

See similar French GCSE tutors

Related French GCSE answers

All answers ▸

When are the pronouns Y and EN used?


Décrivez où vous voulez travailler à l'avenir (90 mots)


Qu’est-ce que tu as fait le weekend dernier? Give 2 answers using the passé compose tense. One answer must use a verb that takes 'être' and the other should take 'avoir'.


How do I conjugate regular verbs in the imperfect tense?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning