Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| usted | /usˈted/ | polite |
| tú | /ˈtu/ | familiar |
| vos | /ˈbos/ | familiar |
These words are subject pronouns used to address the person you are speaking to.
Which one should you use?
While tú and vos are both informal, usted is used to show respect or maintain social distance.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Tú is the most common way to address someone informally. Vos is also an informal way to address someone. In contrast, usted is the most common way to express 'you' formally.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Vos is used as an informal way to say 'you' in certain regions such as Argentina and Uruguay.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb conjugation must match the pronoun used. The pronoun tú typically uses the second-person singular verb form, often ending in '-as' or '-es'.
How do you pronounce it?
tú is pronounced /ˈtu/.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid mixing tú and usted in the same conversation, which can sound inconsistent or confusing to native speakers.
When do people say it?
The choice of pronoun can be related to the act of addressing someone using specific registers, such as ustedear or vosear.
Did you know?
- The formal 'you', usted, is a contraction of the phrase vuestra merced, which literally translates to 'your mercy'.
Examples in context
- ¿Y tú qué tal?And you, how are you?This example is useful for asking how someone is doing using tú.Tatoeba #618944 by Shishir, translation #388264 by Dorenda
- Si yo fuera tú.If I were you.This example shows how to use 'you' in a conditional statement with tú.Tatoeba #754014 by Shishir, translation #10121564 by DJ_Saidez
- ¿No eres tú Tom?Aren't you Tom?This example is a way to confirm someone's identity using tú.Tatoeba #797225 by Shishir, translation #37392 by CK
- Usted habla español muy bien.You speak Spanish very well.
- Señor Gómez, ¿puedo hacerle una pregunta?Mr. Gómez, may I ask you a question?
- Señora Rodríguez, ¿me podría ayudar, por favor?Mrs. Rodríguez, could you help me, please?
- Tú hablas español muy bien.You speak Spanish very well.
- Vos hablás español muy bien.You speak Spanish very well.
- 1762 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are talking about their hobbies.
- JavierA mí me gusta leer. ¿Y a tú?I like to read. And you?
- LucíaA mí me gusta dibujar.I like to draw.
- JavierTú eres muy talentosa, Lucía.You are very talented, Lucía.
- LucíaGracias, Javier.Thank you, Javier.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “you” translations and entries usted, tú, vos, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tú, usted, vos, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
