Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| tú | /ˈtu/ | familiar |
| usted | /usˈted/ | polite |
| vos | /ˈbos/ | familiar |
All the forms provided are used to address a single person. While they all translate to "you" in English, they are used in different social contexts and geographic areas.
Which one should you use?
While tú and vos are both used for people you know well or in informal settings, usted is used to show respect or maintain social distance, such as when speaking to elders or strangers.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Tú is the informal singular form of "you". Vos is also used in familiar, informal settings. Usted is the most common formal way to say "you" and is used for polite address.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In these areas, vos is often used with its own unique verb conjugations known as "voseo".
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
All these forms refer to a singular "you".
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtu/
What mistakes should you avoid?
When choosing between tú and usted, remember that the choice depends on the level of formality required by the social context.
Did you know?
- The formal usted originated from the phrase vuestra merced, which literally translates to 'your mercy'.
- In some dialects, switching from tú to usted mid-conversation can be used as a way to suddenly create emotional distance or express anger.
- The use of usted can be so strict that some family members, such as children addressing their parents, may use it instead of tú to show respect.
Examples in context
- ¿Y tú qué tal?And you, how are you?This sentence is useful for asking how someone is doing.Tatoeba #618944 by Shishir, translation #388264 by Dorenda
- Si yo fuera tú.If I were you.This sentence is useful for expressing a hypothetical condition.Tatoeba #754014 by Shishir, translation #10121564 by DJ_Saidez
- ¿No eres tú Tom?Aren't you Tom?This sentence is useful for confirming someone's identity.Tatoeba #797225 by Shishir, translation #37392 by CK
- Buenos días, señor. ¿Cómo está usted?Good morning, Sir. How are you?
- Gracias por su atención, señores. ¿Desean algo más?Thank you for your attention, ladies and gentlemen. Do you want anything else?
- Hola, ¿cómo estás tú?Hello, how are you?
- Che, ¿cómo estás vos?Hey, how are you?
- ¿Cómo estáis vosotros hoy?How are you all today?
- ¿Vos tenés planes para este fin de semana?Do you have plans for this weekend?
- ¿Puedes ayudarme, Juan?Can you help me, Juan?
- Señora Martínez, ¿puede usted venir mañana?Mrs. Martínez, can you come tomorrow?
- Tú eres mi mejor amigo, ¿verdad?You are my best friend, right?
- Gracias, chicos. Ustedes son geniales.Thank you, guys. You are awesome.
- ¿Vos necesitás algo más de mí?Do you need anything else from me?
- 1762 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are discussing their plans for the weekend.
- Lucía¿Tú vas al cine mañana?Are you going to the cinema tomorrow?
- MateoSí, voy con mi hermano.Yes, I'm going with my brother.
- Lucía¡Qué bien! Yo también quiero ir.That's great! I want to go too.
- MateoEntonces tú puedes venir con nosotros.Then you can come with us.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “you” translations and entries tú, usted, 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.
