When to Use "tu" and "vous"

In French, you have two ways to say "you": "tu" and "vous."

Choosing which one to use depends on who you are talking to.

1. Familiarity

   • Use "tu" with friends, family, or people your age.
     • Example: Tu as un chat? (Do you have a cat?)
   • Use "vous" when talking to strangers, in professional situations, or when you want to show respect.
     • Example: Vous avez un chat? (Do you have a cat?)

2. Key Grammar Points:

   • Present Tense:
     • "Tu parles" means "You speak."
     • "Vous parlez" also means "You speak," but it’s more formal.
   • Negative Sentences:
     • "Tu ne sais pas" means "You don’t know."
     • "Vous ne savez pas" also means "You don’t know," but politely.
   • Possessive Words:
     • "Ton livre" means "your book" (informal).
     • "Votre livre" means "your book" (formal).
   • Questions:
     • "Est-ce que tu viens?" means "Are you coming?" (informal).
     • "Est-ce que vous venez?" means the same thing, but in a more respectful way.

Summary

Remember: Use "tu" for people you know well, and "vous" for showing respect!