Living in Paris : French Language : Tu or vous…???

You have just arrived in France and you’re wondering how to speak “un peu français” ! In fact, it may be simpler than you think!

One of the first rules to remember is that the French will always welcome you warmly so long as you make the effort to speak a little of the French Language.
One of the first things you will come upon once in France is whether to call someone “tu” (tutoyer) or “vous” (vouvoyer).

It may even give you a real headache sometimes! Here are a few tips…

• If you are talking to a friend, a member of your family or a child, you should use “tu” which is synonymous of closeness, friendship or informality.
  
• However when you wish to express respect, distance or formality, you should use “vous”. For instance, when you speak to someone you don’t know, an older person or to 2 people or more…
  
• Sometimes, it is not easy to make the difference between “tu” and “vous” and if you are not sure which one to choose, I would advise you to go for “vous” as it is better to show someone too much respect than not enough!
  
• If a French person asks you: “On peut se tutoyer ?”, this is a sign that he/she wants to be informal. However be careful: “tu” and “vous” are not interchangeable, so it is very important to know when and why they are to be used. Otherwise, you may insult someone unwillingly by using the wrong “you”!

From Isabelle : Intransit's French Language Tutor
www.french-in-paris.com
06 65 24 64 74