Tutoiement

Slide 1 : PROPER USE OF « TU » and « VOUS » : In french, « tutoyer » means to call someone « tu » and « vouvoyer » means to call someone « vous » To avoid embarrassing situations, it is better to make the difference. In English, it is much easier since there is only one form to apply to the 2nd person in singular and plural you. But in French, we need to use two different forms : tu or vous. The only rule you need to remember when you have a doubt about which form to choose from : always use « Vous » You will find below some useful guidelines to be more comfortable with this peculiarity of language… In all the following situations, you can use the « tu » tu is familiar and implies an idea of closeness and informality with the person/animal you are speaking to . as an adult, when you address a child under 14/15 years old when you talk to your doggy when you talk to one of your colleague/mate/buddy/peers, or someone around you that you know for long. For instance sportsmen, members of associations etc…

Slide 2 : Vous is more formal and is also the plural YOU In all these situations below, you need to use the « vous » : when you need to show a certain respect (to an older person), or want to keep a certain distance or formality with the other person. any time in front of an authority figure. any person in front of whom you appear as a foreigner. someone you don’t know well and when you need to use a plural (2 people, 2 animals etc…) If you are a young person and address an older person, this person may use the « tu » with you, but it does not mean that you can do the same unless you are invited to do so.