Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| tu | /ty/ | familiar |
| vous | /vu/ /vu.z‿/ |
polite |
In French, the subject pronoun 'you' refers to the person being addressed. Depending on the context, you may use the verb tutoyer to describe the act of addressing someone with the familiar tu or vouvoyer to describe addressing someone with the formal vous.
Which one should you use?
The choice between tu and vous depends on your level of familiarity with the person and how many people you are addressing.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
tu is used for informal situations, such as speaking with friends or family. vous is used for formal situations or when addressing someone with respect.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
While vous can be used for formal situations, it is also the form used when addressing more than one person, regardless of whether those people are friends or strangers.
How do you pronounce it?
/ty/
Did you know?
- If you are in a formal setting and use tu with a stranger, it is not just considered a mistake, but can be perceived as a direct insult or an act of extreme rudeness.
- In many French-speaking cultures, choosing to switch from vous to tu is a significant social milestone known as 'le tutoiement'. This transition marks a formal shift from professional or distant relations to a closer, personal bond.
- The word tu is a distant linguistic cousin to the German 'du' and the Russian 'ты', all sharing a common ancestor from the same ancient Proto-Indo-European root.
Examples in context
- Tu m'as eu !You got me!This sentence shows the use of tu.Tatoeba #477234 by sacredceltic, translation #17515 by dawnbreaksopen
- Tu te tais ?Are you not saying anything?Tatoeba #1148199 by sacredceltic, translation #1349143 by sacredceltic
- Hé, vous là !Hey, you there!This sentence shows the use of vous.Tatoeba #473113 by sacredceltic, translation #329023 by fcbond
- Vous êtes très gentil.You are very kind.
- Puis-je vous aider?Can I help you?
- Monsieur, pourriez-vous me donner des indications?Sir, could you give me directions?
- Tu es vraiment sympa.You are really nice.
- Peux-tu m'aider?Can you help me?
- Tu peux me donner un coup de main?Can you give me a hand?
- Tu peux me passer le sel, s'il te plaît?Can you pass me the salt, please?
- Tu sais où est la meilleure boulangerie ici?Do you know where the best bakery is around here?
- Vous avez envie de venir à la fête?Do you want to come to the party?
- 16378 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are catching up at a cafe.
- HugoSalut Manon, tu vas bien ?Hi Manon, are you doing well?
- ManonOui, ça va très bien, merci.Yes, I am doing very well, thank you.
- HugoTu veux boire un café avec moi ?Do you want to drink a coffee with me?
- ManonAvec plaisir, Hugo !With pleasure, Hugo!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “you” translations and entries tu, vous, 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.
