When do I use 'tu' and when do I use 'vous'?

Tu and vous both mean 'you', however tu is much more informal and familiar and vous is more formal and polite. You would say tu when speaking to a friend, family member etc, and vous when speaking to an adult you don't know, a teacher or in a formal situation.
tutoyer means to call someone tu
vouvoyer means to call someone vous
It is often asked when first meeting someone: On peut se tutoyer? (Can we call eachother tu ?)
 

AW
Answered by Azelie W. French tutor

3790 Views

See similar French GCSE tutors

Related French GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How do I put a verb into the future tense?


Explain the flow of blood through the human heart.


Décrivez votre week-end à votre ami de collège.


How do you form the Perfect Tense? (passé composé)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning