tú
/ˈtu/
The English phrase "you (informal)" is translated into Spanish as tú.
tú is the pronoun used to refer to a single person being spoken to in a casual or familiar way, such as friends, family or someone of the same age or younger.
Which one should you use?
While tú is used for friends, family and peers, the form usted is used instead to show respect or maintain formality with strangers or superiors.
How does it change in a sentence?
In spoken Spanish, tú is frequently omitted because the verb conjugation itself indicates that the subject is the second-person singular.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtu/
Did you know?
- While tú is the standard informal 'you' in Spain, many Latin American countries use vos instead, a distinct pronoun with its own unique verb conjugations.
- There is a social ritual called tutear which describes the act of switching from the formal usted to the informal tú as a relationship becomes closer.
- The Spanish tú is a distant cousin to the archaic English word 'thou', as both descend from the same ancient Indo-European root.
Examples in context
- Tú eres muy amable.You are very kind.
- ¿Tú quieres café?Do you want coffee?
- Tú tienes un libro nuevo.You have a new book.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking in a park.
- Alejandro¿Tú estás bien, Elena?Are you okay, Elena?
- ElenaSí, estoy muy feliz.Yes, I am very happy.
- AlejandroTú siempre tienes buenas noticias.You always have good news.
- ElenaGracias, Alejandro.Thanks, Alejandro.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry tú, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tú, CC BY-SA 4.0.
