Tu and vous
Two words for "you", and when to use each.
French has two words for "you". tu is for one person you know well; vous is for one person you don't, and for any group.
| tu | vous |
|---|---|
| family and friends | strangers and acquaintances |
| children and animals | shop staff, officials, older people |
| among young people, often colleagues | at work, until you're offered tu |
| one person only | one person, politely, or any group |
When in doubt with an adult, use vous, and let the other person suggest tu: On peut se tutoyer ? "Can we say tu?" Calling someone tu is tutoyer; vous is vouvoyer.
What changes with it
Cards from this guide
7 cardsEach card asks about one thing this guide teaches, and its back gives the answer with why and an example. They're reviewed with the rest of the Pronouns cards.
When do you say vous to one person?
To someone you don't know well, or to be polite.
Which "you" do you use for two friends at once?
vous.
How do you say "please" to a friend, and to a stranger?
s'il te plaît to a friend, s'il vous plaît to a stranger.
What does tutoyer mean?
To call someone tu.
What's "your" for someone you call vous?
votre, plural vos.
How do you ask a stranger how they are?
Comment allez-vous ?
How do you say "Excuse me" to a stranger?
Excusez-moi.