It’s All About ‘You’: How To Use Tu vs. Vous in French

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When you first learned that Comment vas-tu ? and Comment allez-vous ? both mean “How are you?” you started learning about the nuances between using tu vs. vous as ways to say “you” in French. 

In this post, we’ll explore the finer points of when to use each one, including the differences between formal and informal usage, singular and plural, and other parts of speech affected by vous vs. tu forms.

Tu vs. vous in French

French has two different subject pronouns that mean “you.” They’re used to differentiate between the singular and the plural as well as formal and informal speech. Both are considered “second person” forms. When you learn French it’s very important to learn both formal and informal ways to express yourself so you can use expected good manners in all kinds of situations. 

Singular vs. plural

Vous is the only plural “you.” It’s your only choice if you’re addressing more than one person. Never use tu to address a group. 

• Sarah, tu veux faire une promenade avec moi ? = Sarah, do you want to take a walk with me? 
• Sarah et Ani, vous voulez faire une promenade avec moi ? = Sarah and Ani, do you want to take a walk with me? 

If you’re addressing only one person, you have the choice between tu or vous, depending on whether the situation calls for formal or informal speech. 

• Sarah, tu veux faire une promenade avec moi ? = Sarah, do you want to take a walk with me? 
• Madame Thomas, vous voulez faire une promenade avec moi ? = Mrs. Thomas, do you want to take a walk with me? 

Formal vs. informal

Formal speech is considered a more respectful register. The vous form is considered formal. The tu form is reserved for informal speech, sometimes called the casual, familiar, or friendly form.

• Sarah, quel âge as-tu ? = Sarah, how old are you? 
• Madame Thomas, quel âge avez-vous ? = Mrs. Thomas, how old are you?  

When to use vous vs. tu in French

While the singular vs. plural distinction is fairly clear, it can be tricky for new French speakers to decide between the formal or the informal register. This is an important matter of manners and courtesy in French. There are even specific French verbs for this concept. Vouvoyer means “to use vous with somebody,” and tutoyer means “to use tu with someone.”

Let’s start with the situations where manners dictate you should use vouvoyer. Default to vous forms in the following situations:

• Talking to more than one person 
• Addressing an authority figure, such as a law enforcement officer
• Talking to a person of importance, such as a government official
• Meeting an older adult for the first time, such as a friend’s grandmother
• With strangers who are older than you 
• In any situation where you’d use a title, such as Monsieur (Mr/Sir), Madame (Mrs./Madam), or Docteur (Doctor)  
• In a situation where you’d dress up to make a good impression, such as a job interview
• In business meetings and professional interactions
• If the other person addresses you as vous
• Anytime you’re not sure—you won’t offend if you start with vous

The use of tu indicates a more casual or friendly interaction, indicating a social closeness or familiarity. It’s typical for French speakers to use tu forms in the following circumstances:

• With babies and young children (under 15 or so)
• With pets and animals
• With close family and friends
• In casual settings with people your age who are addressing you as tu
• French Protestants use tu to address Dieu (God) in prayer and worship
• With strangers to express anger since it can be disrespectful outside of close relationships

Observe tu vs. vous in context

There are many times where you’ll just have to assess the tu vs. vous situation based on the social context. Think about in college or at a university. There are very formal professors who wear suits and ties and are addressed as Doctor or Professor and their last name, and there are others who prefer to wear jeans and hoodies and ask to be called by their first name. Some classifications depend entirely on the context and the person.

Colleagues and classmates your age may develop into more casual friendships as you get to know them better, allowing you to use tu and French slang with ease. Relationships with some neighbors or people you see often may evolve into a more comfortable first name basis, while others may maintain the vous form of address and still express warmth and kindness in your interactions. 

There are some cultural differences between French-speaking regions when it comes to vous vs. tu as well. For example, in Québec, Canadian French tends to use tu more easily and more commonly than in France. This may also be true of some of Francophone Africa. Observe your surroundings. Listen as others address you with either vous vs. tu and try to match the norms. 

>>Love the verbs tutoyer and vouvoyer? Learn 61+ beautiful French words to impress!