Apr. 17, 2008 - Tú or Usted, that is the question!
Spanish is one of several languages that is problematic in the translation of the simple word "you". Before we angloparlantes (that is the Spanish word for English speakers) throw any stones, remember that it wasn't too many centuries ago that we had more than one way to say "you" as well. If you need your memory refreshed, just read some Shakespeare or crack open a King James Bible.
There are two principle ways to say you in Spanish: tú and usted. Please note that usted is frequently abbreviated Ud. It is used in the plural form as ustedes or the abbreviation Uds. In most of the Spanish speaking world, Uds. serves as the plural of the tú form as well.
So what is the difference between these two forms? When do you use one and not the other? Simply put, tú is an informal form, and Ud. is more formal.
Once upon a time, every Spanish student was told to just use the Ud. form with everyone, and switch to tú when given permission. There is actually a verb in Spanish for using tú with one another: tutearse. You might be asked, "Vamos a tutearnos, ¿no?" (Let's just use tú, ok?). Or... "¿Por qué no me digas tú, está bien? (Why don't you just call me tú, ok?). The system of waiting for permission to say tú will certainly keep you out of trouble. It will also keep you sounding like a Spanish student.
Another rule of thumb that is more realistic is to call someone tú if they are someone you would normally call by first name. Someone that you would address with a title or call Mr. or Mrs. would be Ud. If you meet someone in a social situation, and they are roughly your age or younger, you are safe to use tú. Talking to a minister, professor, or the doctor? Start with Ud. Have your kids respectfully address adults with Ud. , but feel free to use tú with most kids. Tú is safe for your family members. Interestingly, the internet has become a great equalizer, and in chat rooms or message boards, tú is commonly used for everyone.
Another note about the tú and Ud. dilema... think about how our society is getting progressively more informal and casual. The same thing is happening in the Spanish speaking world. Senior citizens will call almost everyone, even their best friends, by the Ud. form. They use tú only with family and little kids.
Exceptions? Well there are many. In Spain, the plural form of tú is vosotros. You will also find this form in many Bible translations, and classic literature and poetry. As you advance in Spanish, it is well worth familiarizing yourself with this form. If you plan to travel to Spain, it is essential. Despite its familiar connotation, it is popular and in widespread use. If you were to say something like, "You Spaniards are such nice people!" it would sound more friendly with vosotros than with Uds. Read more about vosotros here.
Vos is another exception that can be found in Argentina, Uruguay, parts of Colombia, the highlands of Honduras, and other places I am probably neglecting to mention. Vos is used in these countries instead of tú, and sometimes is an all-purpose substitute for Ud. as well. It has its own verb endings. People who use vos will understand you if you address them with the tú or Ud. form, so don't worry about not being understood. If you plan to travel to an area that uses vos, it is worth familiarizing yourself with it. Read more about the use of vos here.
A little confusing at first? Take comfort in the fact that most Spanish speakers are pretty forgiving of any error, and understand that you are trying to learn the language. ¡Vale la pena! - It's worth it!
There are two principle ways to say you in Spanish: tú and usted. Please note that usted is frequently abbreviated Ud. It is used in the plural form as ustedes or the abbreviation Uds. In most of the Spanish speaking world, Uds. serves as the plural of the tú form as well.
So what is the difference between these two forms? When do you use one and not the other? Simply put, tú is an informal form, and Ud. is more formal.
Once upon a time, every Spanish student was told to just use the Ud. form with everyone, and switch to tú when given permission. There is actually a verb in Spanish for using tú with one another: tutearse. You might be asked, "Vamos a tutearnos, ¿no?" (Let's just use tú, ok?). Or... "¿Por qué no me digas tú, está bien? (Why don't you just call me tú, ok?). The system of waiting for permission to say tú will certainly keep you out of trouble. It will also keep you sounding like a Spanish student.
Another rule of thumb that is more realistic is to call someone tú if they are someone you would normally call by first name. Someone that you would address with a title or call Mr. or Mrs. would be Ud. If you meet someone in a social situation, and they are roughly your age or younger, you are safe to use tú. Talking to a minister, professor, or the doctor? Start with Ud. Have your kids respectfully address adults with Ud. , but feel free to use tú with most kids. Tú is safe for your family members. Interestingly, the internet has become a great equalizer, and in chat rooms or message boards, tú is commonly used for everyone.
Another note about the tú and Ud. dilema... think about how our society is getting progressively more informal and casual. The same thing is happening in the Spanish speaking world. Senior citizens will call almost everyone, even their best friends, by the Ud. form. They use tú only with family and little kids.
Exceptions? Well there are many. In Spain, the plural form of tú is vosotros. You will also find this form in many Bible translations, and classic literature and poetry. As you advance in Spanish, it is well worth familiarizing yourself with this form. If you plan to travel to Spain, it is essential. Despite its familiar connotation, it is popular and in widespread use. If you were to say something like, "You Spaniards are such nice people!" it would sound more friendly with vosotros than with Uds. Read more about vosotros here.
Vos is another exception that can be found in Argentina, Uruguay, parts of Colombia, the highlands of Honduras, and other places I am probably neglecting to mention. Vos is used in these countries instead of tú, and sometimes is an all-purpose substitute for Ud. as well. It has its own verb endings. People who use vos will understand you if you address them with the tú or Ud. form, so don't worry about not being understood. If you plan to travel to an area that uses vos, it is worth familiarizing yourself with it. Read more about the use of vos here.
A little confusing at first? Take comfort in the fact that most Spanish speakers are pretty forgiving of any error, and understand that you are trying to learn the language. ¡Vale la pena! - It's worth it!
