Tú vs. Usted Which “you” to use

In Spanish, there is a difference between the way people say “you” for different situations. Before we start, talk with your table about life situations that you think are “informal” and life situations that you think are “formal”.

Tú - Used for informal speech Among friends, family and new acquaintances of the same age Examples: ¿Cómo estás? ¿Y tú? ¿Cómo te llamas?

Usted More formal Used to show respect Used with elders, teachers, bosses, principals, etc.

Informal to Formal We have been using “informal” conversation so far. The following familiar phrases can be changed for formal situations. ¿Cómo estás? ¿Cómo te llamas? ¿Y tú? Do you think you know how to change “¿Y tú?” to be used for a formal situation?

Informal to Formal ¿Cómo estás?  ¿Cómo está usted? ¿Cómo te llamas?  ¿Cómo se llama? ¿Y tú?  ¿Y usted? (Please write these in your notebook)

Please make a chart. One column should say “Tú” and the other should say “Usted”.

Now, please separate the following into the “Tú” and “Usted” columns. Used with friends Informal speech Formal speech Used with a professor Used with the principal Used with a new acquaintance your age Used with your siblings Used with your friend’s grandmother

Tú Usted Used with friends Informal speech Used with a new acquaintance of your age. Used with your siblings Formal speech Used with a professor Used with the principal Used with your friends grandmother