Spanish distinguishes between formal and informal ways of speaking, especially when saying "you." This is important for showing respect, politeness, or closeness.
Key Pronouns
| English Equivalent | |
|---|---|
| Pronoun | Use |
| tú | Informal, for friends, family, peers, children |
When to Use tú
- Speaking to friends, family, or people your age
- Casual, relaxed settings
- Younger people or children
When to Use usted
- Addressing strangers, elders, or authority figures
- Formal or professional situations
- Showing respect or maintaining social distance
Plural Forms
- vosotros is used in Spain for informal groups (friends, family).
- ustedes is used in Latin America for all groups and in Spain for formal groups.
Examples
| Spanish (Informal) | Spanish (Formal) |
|---|---|
| ¿Cómo estás? | ¿Cómo está? |
| English | |
Important Verbs
- Verbs change form depending on tú (informal) or usted (formal).
- Example with hablar (to speak):
Using the correct form shows good manners and helps communicate the right tone.
| Spanish Verb |
|---|
| hablas |
| English |
| Pronoun |
| tú |
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Last updated: Thu Jul 17, 2025