Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| tu | /ˈtu/ | familiar |
| lei | /ˈlɛj/ | polite |
| Lei | /ˈlɛ.i/ | |
| Voi | /ˈvo.i/ | archaic |
The term 'you' refers to the subject pronoun for the person being addressed. Use tu to address someone informally, such as friends, family, peers or people younger than you. Use lei to address a single person formally, such as a stranger or a superior.
Which one should you use?
The form tu is the singular, informal version. The form lei is the singular, polite version used for formal situations. The form Voi is an archaic version. In writing, the formal 'you' is often capitalized as Lei to distinguish it from the third-person feminine pronoun 'she' (which is also spelled lei).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
tu is a familiar form used for people you know well. lei is a polite form used to show respect or to address someone formally. Lei is the capitalized version of the formal 'you'. Voi is an archaic form.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
In written Italian, capitalizing Lei helps distinguish the formal second-person 'you' from the third-person feminine pronoun 'she'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtu/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Be aware that the formal 'you' (lei) is identical in spelling and sound to the third-person feminine pronoun 'she' (lei), which can lead to confusion.
Did you know?
- In formal writing, the pronoun Lei can be tucked inside another word, such as comunicarLe for 'to tell you'.
- Using tu instead of Lei is a social transition called dare del tu, which marks a shift from a formal to a friendly relationship.
Examples in context
- Tu sai chi è?Do you know who she is?This sentence is useful for practicing the informal form tu.Tatoeba #2477429 by Guybrush88, translation #308085 by CK
- Io so di voi.I know about you.This sentence shows the use of the archaic form Voi.Tatoeba #2560859 by Guybrush88, translation #2375849 by CK
- Lei non è Tom?Aren't you Tom?This sentence shows the use of the polite form lei.Tatoeba #1307804 by Guybrush88, translation #37392 by CK
- Buongiorno, signora. Come sta?Good morning, ma'am. How are you?
- Lei lavora molto bene.You work very well.
- 3673 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are catching up in a café.
- MartinaTu come stai?How are you?
- LorenzoBene, grazie. E tu?Well, thanks. And you?
- MartinaSto molto bene.I am very well.
- LorenzoMi fa piacere sentirlo.I am glad to hear it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “you” translations and entries tu, lei, Lei, Voi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Lei, Voi, lei, tu, voi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
