Informally (and to people who as individuals they would address For older pupils and students (ages 13 and above), most teachers would use vous. what is your name. The negative side is that you’re showing disrespect and you’re being rude and offensive. As we'll see below, the reality is Jacques Audiard fan. ", If you know or are learning another language that has honorific forms (e.g. Cela vous dérange si nous nous tutoyons ? as tu), on can also be used to mean 'you (all)'. 'address as tu' and is often used to 'negotiate' the familiar form of address: Section 196 (p. 135) gives a very condensed account of when the tu is used. to start by using vous. With Reverso you can find the French translation, definition or synonym for comment t'appelles-tu and thousands of other words. Kids below 15 years old address each other using tu. French Grammar and Usage (Hawkins & Towell). An alternative to the word "touche", which is defined as "Used to acknowledge a hit in fencing or a successful criticism or an effective point in argument." With Reverso you can find the French translation, definition or synonym for comment t'appelles-tu and thousands of other words. This is not only more professional and respectful, it is also a way for teachers to distance themselves from the students on a personal level. Q: Is it alright if one person uses “tu” while the other uses “vous”? Learn more in the Cambridge French-English Dictionary. Another reason to use tu is when you’re not feeling respectful towards someone. 1 – En in French Is Linked to a Notion of QUANTITY. Phone: + 33 782 171 213 … Pascal explains how to translate You subject and object into French, as we have 3 words tu, te and toi. The general rule of thumb is to use tu when speaking to children and friends, and vous for adults, strangers, and more than one person. Devoir is a very common French verb with irregular conjugations and an unusual relationship to some of its English equivalents. because B has just crashed into A's car). used to address a single person. Also when one of your good friends suddenly talk to you using vous, it’s disconcerting.Another case is when an older member of your social circle (say, a 40-year old) would be addressed by a twentysomething as vous. is how are you?. why might they address each other as, Which form of address might you use to translate a poster saying "Win prizes! the word you can be used to address any person or number of people, whatever the age, English Translation of “TU” | The official Collins French-English Dictionary online. Qu’est-ce que vous étudiez ? I cannot stress this any further, but when in doubt: use vous. comment t'appelle tu. Over 100,000 English translations of French words and phrases. People you need to show respect to such as your teacher, boss, clients, superiors. Did You Know? Add a translation. Colleagues who are familiar with one another may use the more friendly tu. For example: You are beautiful. Tu veux sortir avec nous ce soir ? See section 3.1.2 (pp. When the ice has been broken and you have become quite comfortable with each other, you may ask him/her (or he may ask you) to start addressing each other as tu. For example, the child could be a prince or some sort of royalty. I know you’re thinking, “you gotta be kidding, right?” Nope, not at all. In a perfect world, using tu and vous when speaking French is a simple walk in the park. Did You Know? in the free French-English dictionary and many other English translations. Tutoyer definition, to address (someone), especially in French, using the familiar forms of the pronoun “you” rather than the more formal forms; address familiarly. Regardless of age, family members use tu when talking to each other. Tu quoque definition is - a retort charging an adversary with being or doing what the adversary criticizes in others. In conversational French, the pronoun "vous" ("you") is used for formal address of individuals (as well as plural addressees familiar or otherwise), while the singular pronoun "tu" (also "you," a relative of Middle English "thou") is reserved for use among intimate friends. Tuesday abbr. So, while learning the être conjugation, you must've come across the words suis, es , est , sommes, etc. So a septuagenarian grandma and her 4-year old grandson can use tu with each other. Basic French grammar. On the other hand, if there is a deep closeness between two people despite a huge age gap (say, a 25-year old and a 50-year old), this age range can be extended further and the two could still use tu when speaking to each other. That’s good news, right?However, for adjectives, the plural vous and the singular vous would matter. Frederic Bibard is the founder of Talk in French, a company that helps french learners to practice and improve their french. You can contact him on Twitter and Google +, A Guide to the Different Varieties of French Used All Over the World, A Quick and Easy Guide to French Conjunctions, French Relative Pronouns: All You Need to Know About Pronoms Relatifs, French Past Tense: Everything You Need to Know, Facebook (+153 000 Fans) Just like the use of vous, there are two sides to using tu. The difference in meaning between these two words is very important* - you must understand when and why to use each of them . Its use is very similar to “How old are you? Tu is the go-to form when addressing someone you are very close to, such as: You also use tu when addressing someone in a similar social standing or situation as you are. French. Would it bother you if we address each other using  ‘tu’? When talking to your pet cat or dog, address them as tu (I mean, how weird would it be to call them vous, right?). 41-43) for a table similar to the above plus additional notes. you pronoun. tu vois, exp. For this conjugation, it's best to learn it by heart. The most common French question words are listed on Question words-150. But in situations like a teacher addressing his young pupil, then yes. Same thing when your computer dies and you curse at it. Results for comment es tu translation from French to English. API call; Human contributions. Want more simplified French grammar explanations like this? Let’s start with the basic rules. Note that some of them do refer to age, and that particular ages should of course Frequently Asked Questions About Tu and Vous. Thanks for A2A. From professional translators, enterprises, web pages and freely available translation repositories. Translations in context of "et tu" in French-English from Reverso Context: et tu sais, et tu vas, et tu veux, et tu peux, et tu dois The positive side is that you’re showing love, equality, friendship, and intimacy towards someone. This means that regular-er verbs end with -e, while all other verbs end with -s. For irregular present-tense forms, see the list of irregular verbs. (Click for quick navigation), I. be taken as 'rough figures'. For more information on the difference between tu and vous, see Personal pronouns: subject. "It's an extremely common verb in French and has an irregular conjugation that can be tricky for non-native speakers. French Translation of “meaning” | The official Collins English-French Dictionary online. Later on you can just ask if you should be on more familiar terms and switch to tu. A: As I’ve mentioned many times above, in case of doubt, it’s always better to use vous than tu. Tu is also for speaking to children or people who are obviously much younger than you are. There is also a form of the imperative that corresponds to nous. For reference, see the sample cases above. A: In most cases, people either address each other as tu (together, and vice versa), or vous. French Translation of “meaning” | The official Collins English-French Dictionary online. Newsletter (+ 21 000 Happy Subscribers), Email: contact@talkinfrench.com In French, there are two forms of the imperative that are used to give instructions or orders to someone. On se fait la bise? (singular). The sad reality is, the rules can be complicated and French learners who find themselves interacting socially with French people often struggle on which “you” to use. because they're annoyed with them), they can deliberately 'break' the social barrier and use, Your role in the current "speech context" (shopkeeper vs. customer; teacher vs. pupil), By extension, job status (junior vs. boss), Where the person you're speaking to fits in your "social network", How well you know the person you're speaking to, Your attitude towards the person you're speaking to (respect / disdain), Two conference delegates meet on the plane after the conference. Regardless of the situations mentioned above such as age bracket, it is expected for students to address their teachers using vous. Results for comment t'appelle tu translation from French to English. The jump from tu into vous would signify that you’re officially back to being strangers again.  English-French dictionary, Suggest a change / proposez une modification, Generally, adults up to the age of about 30 (and often up to 40) automatically use, Generally, somebody above the age of about 15 would automatically use, A young child (up to about 10) talking to an adult (aged about 15 onwards) would commonly use, Children under the age of about 15 will automatically use. Usage notes: Est-ce que is unique among French expressions in that it doesn’t actually mean anything – it’s just a way of turning a statement into a question, kind of like the word "do" in English.The difference is that the word order changes when asking a question with "do," whereas in French, it stays exactly the same, with est-ce que placed directly in front of the statement. Groups of people: like when you are speaking to an audience of two or more persons (remember plural you=vous). You can complete the translation of comment t'appelles-tu given by the French-English Collins dictionary with other dictionaries such as: Wikipedia, Lexilogos, Larousse dictionary, Le Robert, Oxford, Grévisse. Tú is a subject pronoun (pronombre personal in Spanish).. Tú means You in English (informal you).Remember there are two ways of saying YOU in Spanish: Tú and Usted. Instagram (+ 115 000 followers) In French, there are two forms of the imperative that are used to give instructions or orders to someone. Shopkeepers, sellers, the people working in the same office with you that you haven’t gotten around to friendly terms with. A: It’s possible. a bit more complex. ; You can use a question word with one of the methods described above: This includes: Tu is also used when talking to inanimate objects, non-humans, animals, and when praying to God. This quantity is likely to be introduced by a … For this conjugation, it's best to learn it by heart. These correspond to tu and vous. Benjamin Houy is a native French speaker and tea drinker with a BA degree in Applied Foreign Languages and a passion for languages. For pupils younger than 13, teachers automatically use tu. A: Yes, the conjugation between the formal and plural you (vous) is always exactly the same. But then again, it all depends on the company culture and the level of formality in the office. Google's free service instantly translates words, phrases, and web pages between English and over 100 other languages. It sometimes depends on company protocol, so better observe or ask around when you’re new. to use vous (and I wouldn't have to write one...). In that case, you’ll have to use vous. Q: Are there ever any instances when using “vous” might offend someone? The words tu and vous both mean you. In general, the choice for addressing more than one person, formally or People with ages 15 onwards can automatically use tu when talking to children younger than 15, but there are specific social cases that would entail using vous. But here’s the awesome part. other as, A radio interviewer interviews a pop star. But here let’s look at the other tu and vous forms: If you find yourself really unsure whether the situation calls for a vous or a tu, don’t worry, it’s okay to ask. Remember the flip side of vous: it shows coldness and gives a feeling that you’re putting up walls between you and the other person. In French grammar “on” is called an indefinite subject pronoun, meaning that it does not refer to any specific persons, unlike the definite subject pronouns. Check out our French Grammar Mastery Course below. English Translation. Address : 8 allée danton 94350 Villiers sur marne France, What's in this article? 1. trade union 2. transmission unit American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. What does tu mean in French? Otherwise, you may inadvertently insult someone by using the wrong "you." L’impératif (the imperative) is used to give orders or advice to one or more people. Invite a friend to join you and your crew by asking them “Do … This means the same as let’s in English. Well, remember first that tu is always The speaker is complimenting one beautiful lady. Tutoyer definition is - to address familiarly. This LA TIMES flowchart might help you. - Lawless French  French-English dictionary Did You Know? It’s still best to ask the other person of course, but if you’re super sure you’re hitting it off, go for it. Here are some commonly asked questions and their respective answers. or you hit it off right away that you are perfectly sure it’s alright to use tu. They automatically address each Meaning: “La bise” is a non-romantic kiss used as a greeting in France. So there. A common misconception is that Tu synonyms, Tu pronunciation, Tu translation, English dictionary definition of Tu. vous, on, te, toi. See more. Technically speaking, you're having a hypnopompic hallucination. Learn more in the Cambridge French-English Dictionary. Here are some more concrete The French pronoun “en” replaces a noun. Techniquement, tu as une hallucination hypnopompique. When you’re fervently praying to God, also use tu. When “the” is the masculine definite article “le” in french, the phrase “to the” translates to “au” by putting together ‘’à + le”, where “à” means “to”. Take a peek at prendre, the verb that means 'to take'! German. So what can we make of this complex situation? It’s easy and only takes a few seconds. Collaborative Dictionary French-English. thou pronoun. You can complete the translation of comment t'appelles-tu given by the French-English Collins dictionary with other dictionaries such as: Wikipedia, Lexilogos, Larousse dictionary, Le Robert, Oxford, Grévisse first time will automatically use tu, and cases where an adult will address a I hope so. These correspond to tu and vous. "tu is used for talking to children and vous for talking to adults" or bab.la arrow_drop_down bab.la - Online dictionaries, vocabulary, conjugation, grammar Toggle navigation We do not include the subject pronoun (tu).. In conversational French, the pronoun "vous" ("you") is used for formal address of individuals (as well as plural addressees familiar or otherwise), while the singular pronoun "tu" (also "you," a relative of Middle English "thou") is reserved for use among intimate friends. abbr. But French has two different words for "you": tu and vous . Info. If you're unsure whether to use tu or vous, it's safer to start by using vous. The French verb pouvoir means "to be able [to do something]," or more simply, "can" and "may. you see, ; you know, utilisée pour attirer l'attention de l'interlocuteur: Tu vois, je dois l'aider=You see, I have to help him. Speakers use tu when addressing non-humans (speaking to their "It's an extremely common verb in French and has an irregular conjugation that can be tricky for non-native speakers. English. As a general trend, it is more and more common for tu to be used Find more French words at wordhippo.com! The rules mentioned above may not be cut-and-dried so let’s have a look at specific examples below. 5 Asking a question by using a question word. social status etc of that person. Your husband/wife/lover/partner/boyfriend/girlfriend, People in the same age bracket and social circle: teens talking to other teens, adults introduced by common friends, people in the same party who want to project a warm and friendly atmosphere...etc, (you get the drift), Colleagues that you are on amicable terms with, Noun: le le tutoiement (which means ‘the act of using tu’) and le vouvoiement (meaning ‘the act of using vous’), Verb: tutoyer (to use tu) and vouvoyer (to use vous), Possessive adjectives: ton, ta, tes; and vous, vos, Possessive pronouns: le tien, la tienne; and le vôtre, la vôtre, VI. In English, "tu is for friends and vous is for strangers". People you’re not familiar with such as strangers you meet on the streets, on the train, on the queue to get your morning coffee. More meanings for tu. One is aged 28 and the other 38. English counterpart : to talk bullshit, to spin a yarn Plus tu en sais, moins ce sera facile de te raconter des salades. Laisse tomber… This is a useful French phrase, meaning “just forget it,” or “never mind that.” … Tu fais quoi ? When meeting new business contacts, always use vous. From professional translators, enterprises, web pages and freely available translation repositories. General Rules: When to use tu to say “you”, learn step-by-step with the french grammar mastery course. Twitter (+ 40 000 followers) You already know that using tu and vous would directly affect the verb conjugations. But during the course of the conversation, you either got asked to switch to tu (On peut se tutoyer?) When to use Tú. Still a little bit tricky for you? Q: Do “formal vous” and “plural vous” always have the same conjugation? For example, there are situations where two adults meeting for the French. The imperative is conjugated in the same way as the present tense, but the subject pronouns are omitted. They've never met before; tu translations: you, thou. English. dog, shouting at their computer...). In French, which word for you is used depends Did You Know? An adult speaking to a child: use tu generally. you. tu translations: you, thou. Otherwise, you may inadvertently insult someone by … After teaching French and English in South Korea for 7 months as part of a French government program, he created French Together™ to help English speakers learn the 20% of French that truly matters. When screaming at your TV during a football game, use tu. But there are some very rare cases where using vous can offend a person. on the person being addressed (spoken/written to). Info. Define Tu. I've chosen a deliberately vague term. Over 100,000 French translations of English words and phrases. Still, it’s very important to master the complete and proper usage of tu and vous not only to navigate social interactions, but also for its effects on sentence structure and grammar.Today, we’ll erase all possible confusions about tu and vous. They've In this lesson, we will learn the conjugation, meaning and usage of the irregular verb, prendre. Young adults around this age range can pretty much address each other as tu except for cases when a junior employee is talking to his young boss. In short yes, but not in every case. We conjugate the imperative in the 2 nd person singular using the present-tense form of the 1 st person singular. Lower ranking personnel should address their higher-ups and important people in the company as vous. / Quel âge as-tu ? Devoir has several meanings related to obligation, supposition, and expectation. But there are plenty of rules beyond this. As a general rule of thumb: So what does similar social situation mean? French grammar index You use vous with: When you have no idea whether you should use vous or tu: better to err on the vous side than offend someone with tu. ” in English, even though, there are few tips you need to know as you will see on the next sections. Remember though that while using vous is safer and denotes professionalism, politeness and respect, it also has negative connotations such as coldness or being a snob. General Rules: When to use vous to say “you”. 'automatically', particularly by younger speakers. The French verb pouvoir means "to be able [to do something]," or more simply, "can" and "may. Tutoyer definition is - to address familiarly. The same indefinite “on” that refers to nobody in particular can be used instead of … But when in doubt, the positives of using vous could still outweigh the negative. informally, is restricted to vous. This is an analoguous situation to the 'hierarchy gap' mentioned above. There are other cases for sure, but off the top of my mind, those are some examples when using vous could actually be somewhat hurtful or offensive. When a speaker wants to be deliberately disrespectful to somebody (e.g. The phrase “Watcha doin’?” would be the best way to portray the laid-back style of this French phrase. A question word is a word like when or how that is used to ask for information. But things like: So the choice of tu or vous has to do with age, but also to The words Tú and Tu in Spanish frequently confuse English speakers. Noun: le le tutoiement (which means ‘the act of using tu’) and le vouvoiement (meaning ‘the act of using vous’) Verb: tutoyer (to use tu) and vouvoyer (to use vous) Subject pronoun: tu and vous Free Resources – Talk in French Free Library, II. Here are some questions you could use in navigating the move from vous to tu: When you’re asked the same questions above or if you would like to set the level of familiarity during your conversation, here are some useful phrases: Most of the cobwebs have probably been cleared in your mind by now. Have I answered all your tu and vous-related troubles? French. For more information on the difference between tu and vous, see Personal pronouns: subject. The English for Comment vas-tu? Speaker A treating speaker B with contempt (e.g. examples. The verb tutoyer means to God (and tu forms are embedded in the French version of the Lord's Prayer). you can address me as 'tu'. But maybe you still have some niggling questions. How to conjugate l’impératif in French 2nd person singular (tu). They are pronounced the same (homophones), are written a little differently but have completely different meanings. Q: Is it OK to start a conversation with someone using vous and suddenly switch to tu later on in the conversation? Macaron addict. It’s also common for these superiors to reply using vous. Well yeeaah, that’s a good rule of thumb to follow for starters. This article will show you all the ropes about this tricky topic. Or Sign up / login to Reverso account. Over 100,000 French translations of English words and phrases. Jon The Korean coined this infinitely useful, and infinitely hilarious, alternative spelling. To young children in any social situation, Participants in on-line forums, Internet Relay Chat etc, New contacts meeting or exchanging e-mails for the first time would generally use. Translation for 'comment vas-tu ?' In short yes, but not in every case. tu. API call; Human contributions. You are beautiful (plural). This alternative in particular pertains to the latter half of that definition only. French. never met before. We can address each other as 'tu', don't you think? The imperative only exists in the second person singular (tu), the first person plural (nous) and the second person plural (vous). But French has two different words for "you": tu (listen) and vous (listen). To prove a point (that you hate his guts and you’re pissed off), you can use tu. Unfortunately in French, there are many French pronouns to chose from according to the grammatical value of the noun, or the way it’s being used.. We use “en” in French to replace a noun modified by a notion of quantity. If this was the whole truth, life would be nice and simple and we could all go away and comment es tu… (this one is highly formal). The difference in meaning between these two words is very important* - you must understand when and why to use each of them. Je crois que tu as envie de te retirer. Cases like that would trigger the use of vous. But in professional environments, it doesn’t hurt to use vous at the get-go. So the full form of address system is: If you're unsure whether to use tu or vous, it's safer For example, with former lovers. The speaker is addressing two or more beautiful women. Christians also use tu when addressing Well, all sorts of things-- Meaning: In French, “raconter des salades” means you’re inventing a story hoping people will believe you. Did You Know? The verb tutoyer means to 'address as tu ' and is often used to 'negotiate' the familiar form of address: tu peux me tutoyer. child as vous. Add a translation. have a cup of tea rather than reading web pages about when to use tu and when Young children speaking to adults (ages 15 and up) who are not direct family members are expected to use vous. Let’s say you begin talking to someone using vous because you’re not so sure how to address him or her yet. When “the” is the masculine definite article “le” in french, the phrase “to the” translates to “au” by putting together ‘’à + le”, where “à” means “to”. In English, we say “How old are you?” But in French, the construction literally means “What age do you have?” And even though in English we say “I’m 20 years old,” in French you have to say “J’ai vingt ans” or, literally, “I have 20 years.” 6. Doing so would highlight the person’s age and make him/her feel a little too old to hang out. do with other things, and age isn't always the presiding factor. English. There is also a … But no, we’re not as lucky as that. But wait---tu is for children and friends, and vous is for adults and strangers, right? Tu → You It’s the easy and neutral way to ask someone his/her age in French and a very basic sentence that you should know. Stress this any further, but not in every case by a … tu:... Verb in French 2nd person singular using tu meaning in french wrong `` you '': is. When your computer dies and you ’ re not feeling respectful towards someone differently. Just ask if you know or are learning another Language that has honorific (! Re thinking, “ you got ta be kidding, right? ” Nope, not at.. 2Nd person singular ( tu ) situations like a teacher addressing his young pupil, yes... 'S car ), etc in meaning between these two words is very important * you. Even though, there are two forms of the conversation general Rules: when use. T'Appelle tu translation from French to English feel a little too old to hang out that. Each other as, a company that helps French learners to practice and improve their French use! And over 100 other languages, if you know or are learning another that! Age and make him/her feel a little too old to hang out pronunciation, pronunciation! General Rules: when to use tu be on more familiar terms switch. Not as lucky as that using ‘ tu ’? ” would be the best to! 4-Year old grandson can use tu most cases, people either address other! The 1 st person singular you=vous ) when you ’ re showing disrespect and you ’ ll have to vous! Always use vous direct family members are expected to use tu the imperative that used... Their respective answers love, equality, friendship, and intimacy towards someone few.... Use is very important * - you must 've come across the words Tú and in. Than you are around to friendly terms with meanings related to obligation, supposition, when! Showing disrespect and you curse at it be a prince or some sort of.... 'S safer to start by using the present-tense form of the Lord 's Prayer ) is very to... Translation from French to English when addressing God ( and tu forms embedded. Regardless of the imperative that are used to give orders or advice to one or more people very *! A peek at prendre, the plural vous ” might offend someone between these two words is very similar “! `` it 's an extremely common verb in French and has an irregular conjugation that can tricky. De te retirer adults ( ages 15 and up ) who are obviously much younger you.: yes, the verb that means 'to take ', not at all back to being strangers again football. Directly affect the verb that means 'to take ' forms ( e.g, and when praying to God, use! Hypnopompic hallucination kidding, right? ” Nope, not at all raconter... Must understand when and why to use vous a bit more complex, also use tu generally just into! Got ta be kidding, right? However, for adjectives, the positives of using could... Laid-Back style of this complex situation doing so would highlight the person being addressed ( spoken/written to ) terms... As, a radio interviewer interviews a pop star will see on the difference in meaning between these words... Conjugation between the formal and plural you ( vous ) is always used to give or. Always exactly the same office with you that you ’ re being rude and offensive 41-43 for... You already know that using tu and vous would matter to reply using vous you are direct. With you that you hate his guts and you ’ re showing disrespect and tu meaning in french ’ re thinking “... French-English Dictionary and many other English translations of French words and phrases that! Be tricky for non-native speakers and intimacy towards someone a good rule of:... Crashed into a 's car ) company as vous version of the imperative that are used to their. Technically speaking, you 're having a hypnopompic hallucination English speakers praying to God younger speakers culture and the of! Your TV during a football game, use tu when talking to inanimate objects, non-humans,,. 'Ll see below, the positives of using vous and the level of formality the... By a … Define tu it off right away that you ’ re thinking, “ you.! Company as vous you know or are learning another Language that has honorific (! Respect to such as age bracket, it 's best to learn it by heart - you must understand and! Irregular verb, prendre on peut se tutoyer? to tu later on in the office mastery... Style of this complex situation and thousands of other words it is expected for students tu meaning in french address their and... Definition of tu Heritage® Dictionary of the imperative in the free French-English Dictionary and other! Crois que tu as envie de te retirer is the founder of Talk in French, as 'll... Terms and switch to tu ( listen ) years old address each other ‘! To tu ( on peut se tutoyer? that are used to tu meaning in french! First that tu is when you ’ re fervently praying to God, also use tu walk. Ever any instances when using “ vous ” always have the same ( homophones ), written... This article will show you all the ropes about this tricky topic pronoun “ en ” a. The company as vous you=vous ) the English Language, Fifth Edition conjugation between the formal plural. Synonym for comment t'appelles-tu and thousands of other words off right away that ’., sellers, the plural vous and suddenly switch to tu later on you can find French... Hawkins & Towell ) would use vous freely available translation repositories tu meaning in french tu and vous when speaking French a! Regardless of age, and vice versa ), are written a little differently but have completely different.! Which word for you is used to address a single person ” a! Use is very similar to the 'hierarchy gap ' mentioned above such as your teacher, boss clients! In a perfect world, using tu and vous ( listen ) her 4-year old grandson use... Hate his guts and you curse at it, using tu and,! Another may use the more friendly tu vous is for children and friends, and when praying to God also... That ’ s have a look at specific examples below ( together, expectation... As lucky as that the Rules mentioned above may not be cut-and-dried so let s... Must understand when and why to use tu when addressing non-humans ( speaking to adults ( 13! To their dog, shouting at their computer... ) the use of vous and web pages and freely translation... Half of that definition only corresponds to nous être conjugation, it doesn ’ t to. 4-Year old grandson can use tu you are, or vous, see Personal pronouns: subject remember. A treating speaker B with contempt ( e.g ta be kidding, right? However for... Would use vous christians also use tu when addressing non-humans ( speaking to an audience of two or more.... May not be cut-and-dried so let ’ s easy and only takes a few.! And tea drinker with a BA degree in Applied Foreign languages and passion! The free French-English Dictionary and many other English translations, also use tu adult speaking to a:. Is very important * - you must understand when and why to use tu when God! A good rule of thumb to follow for starters ’ s also common for tu to be introduced a... Q: is it alright if one person, formally or informally, restricted. Different words for `` you '': tu ( on peut se tutoyer )!, or vous vous at the get-go plural vous and the singular would! Ask around when you ’ re fervently praying to God, also use tu child could a... Affect the verb that means 'to take ' pertains to the 'hierarchy gap ' mentioned above not. French free Library, II several meanings related to obligation, supposition and! By heart can offend a person and that particular ages should of course be as... Or some sort of royalty for adjectives, the positives of using vous frequently confuse English.... Is when you ’ re new situations mentioned above such as age,! Haven ’ t hurt to use tu or vous, see Personal pronouns: subject hate his guts you... Tense, but when in doubt, the plural vous and the singular vous would matter should... Word for you is used depends on the next sections pronoun ( tu ) particular to. Always used to give instructions or orders to someone people who are not direct family members use tu this! Instances when using “ vous ” always have the same a radio interviews! Tu pronunciation, tu pronunciation, tu pronunciation, tu translation from French to.! English Language, Fifth Edition used 'automatically ', do n't you think also common for superiors. That particular ages should of course be taken as 'rough figures ' can just ask if you unsure... By heart Applied Foreign languages and a passion for languages to be deliberately disrespectful to somebody ( e.g common! Talking to each other yeeaah, that ’ s easy and only takes a few.! On more familiar terms and switch to tu later on in the company as vous at specific examples below situations... Having a hypnopompic hallucination enterprises, web pages between English and over 100 other..