Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| tú | /ˈtu/ | familiar |
| usted | /usˈted/ | polite |
| vos | /ˈbos/ | familiar |
These words are used as subject pronouns to address the person being spoken to. Additionally, these same words can function as determiners to refer to the individual or group being addressed.
Which one should you use?
Both tú and vos are used for the singular informal 'you', while usted is the formal version used to address a single person with respect. While tú is the most common way to say 'you' in a casual setting, vos is a distinct informal option.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Use tú in informal and casual settings. Use usted when you need to be polite or formal. There are specific verbs to describe these social practices: ustedear means to address someone using the formal usted, and vosear means to use the pronoun vos.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The pronoun vos is used in certain parts of Argentina and Uruguay.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing more than one person (plural 'you'), ustedes is the only form used in Latin America. In Spain, the informal plural form vosotros is used.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈtu/.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often forget that choosing between tú and usted depends on the social relationship and the level of formality required for the situation.
When do people say it?
In some contexts, you may use the title señorita, which means Miss.
Did you know?
- The formal 'you', usted, actually started as a phrase meaning 'your mercy'. It evolved from the honorific 'vuestra merced' through several shortened versions like 'vuesasted' before reaching its modern form.
Examples in context
- ¿Y tú qué tal?And you, how are you?This example shows how to use tú to ask how someone is doing.Tatoeba #618944 by Shishir, translation #388264 by Dorenda
- Si yo fuera tú.If I were you.This example demonstrates the use of tú in a conditional statement.Tatoeba #754014 by Shishir, translation #10121564 by DJ_Saidez
- ¿No eres tú Tom?Aren't you Tom?This example uses tú to confirm someone's identity.Tatoeba #797225 by Shishir, translation #37392 by CK
- Usted es muy amable.You are very kind.
- ¿Cómo está usted?How are you?
- Tú eres mi mejor amigo.You are my best friend.
- Vos sos increíble.You are amazing.
- Señor García, ¿puede ayudarme?Mr. García, can you help me?
- 1762 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are catching up at a cafe.
- María¿Tú también quieres un café?Do you also want a coffee?
- AlejandroSí, gracias, María.Yes, thank you, María.
- MaríaQué bueno que tú viniste hoy.It is good that you came today.
- Alejandro¡Claro que sí!Of course!
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.
