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

3934 Views

See similar French GCSE tutors

Related French GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Is there more than one way to say ‘you’? When do I use each one?


How do I translate the sentence "I played football in the park with my friends."


What is the difference between the "near future" and the "simple future"?


Can you give some vocabulary for the Family theme?


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning