Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| vous | /vu/ /vu.z‿/ |
polite |
| tu | /ty/ | familiar |
These words are subject pronouns used to address the person being spoken to. There are two main ways to address someone: using the familiar tu or the formal/plural vous. The specific act of using the formal vous is captured by the verb vouvoyer or voussoyer, while the act of using the familiar tu is captured by the verb tutoyer.
Which one should you use?
tu is used when addressing a single person in an informal context. In contrast, vous can be used to address a single person in a formal context or it is used to address any number of people (plural), regardless of how well you know them.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
tu is the familiar and informal form, used for a single person when there is closeness, such as with friends, family or children. vous is the polite and formal form used to show respect or maintain social distance when addressing one person.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
tu is used specifically for a single person in informal situations.
How do you pronounce it?
/vu/
Did you know?
- Using tu with a superior or a stranger in France can be perceived as a deliberate insult or a sign of aggression rather than just being friendly.
- The French tu is a direct relative of the German 'du' and the Russian ты, all stemming from the same ancient Proto-Indo-European root.
- In some religious or poetic contexts, a single person might be addressed as vous not for politeness, but to emphasize their majesty or divine status.
Examples in context
- Tu m'as eu !You got me!This sentence is useful for expressing that someone has tricked or caught you using tu.Tatoeba #477234 by sacredceltic, translation #17515 by dawnbreaksopen
- Tu te tais ?Are you not saying anything?This sentence is useful for asking if someone is being quiet using tu.Tatoeba #1148199 by sacredceltic, translation #1349143 by sacredceltic
- Hé, vous là !Hey, you there!This sentence is useful for getting the attention of a group or person using vous.Tatoeba #473113 by sacredceltic, translation #329023 by fcbond
- Vous êtes très aimable, Monsieur.You are very kind, Sir.
- Puis-je vous poser une question ?May I ask you a question?
- Je vous présente mes excuses, Mesdames et Messieurs.I apologize to you, ladies and gentlemen.
- Tu es vraiment génial !You are really awesome!
- Est-ce que tu viens à la fête, cousin ?Are you coming to the party, cousin?
- Tu me manques beaucoup, mon petit chéri.I miss you a lot, my little darling.
- 16378 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Gabriel are professional colleagues in an office.
- LéaVous travaillez sur ce dossier ?Are you working on this file?
- GabrielOui, je le termine maintenant.Yes, I am finishing it now.
- LéaEst-ce que vous avez besoin d'aide ?Do you need any help?
- GabrielNon merci, c'est presque fini.No thank you, it is almost finished.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “you” translations and entries vous, tu, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tu, vous, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
