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

4230 Views

See similar French GCSE tutors

Related French GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How should I approach the longer (90 word) writing question?


Write a description of your town focusing on character, size and population


How can I make my written French sound more fluent/sophisticated?


How do I know when to use the ‘imparfait’ (imperfect) and ‘passé composé’ tenses?


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