Spanish 101 · Comparison
tú vs. usted
Both mean 'you' but are used in different social contexts.
The core distinction
Both mean 'you' but are used in different social contexts.
When you are unsure, ask: does the sentence stress identity, location, time, purpose, completion, or familiarity? The columns below collect the patterns Spanish 101/102 courses drill most often — match them to what your professor models in class.
When to use each
tú
- Informal: friends, family, peers
- Same age or younger
- Casual situations
¿Cómo estás, María?
¿Tú eres estudiante?
¿Qué haces tú?
usted
- Formal: strangers, elders, professionals
- Respectful contexts
- Business and academic settings
¿Cómo está usted, señor?
¿Usted habla inglés?
¿Cómo se llama usted?
FAQ
When do you use tú vs. usted in Spanish?
Both mean 'you' but are used in different social contexts. Use the bullet lists and examples on this page as a checklist.
What is the difference between tú and usted?
They often look similar in English glosses, but Spanish keeps separate patterns. Read the left column for the first idea and the right column for the second.
How do I remember when to use tú?
Memorize two or three “signature” sentences from each side, then swap words to build your own. Short daily practice in Chapurra locks in the contrast faster than cramming.