When to use "tu' or "vous' - The definite explainer

One of the most complex rule of the French language is when to use "Vous" or "Tu" - This simple infographics below may help understand.. and get you a giggle or two :)

Tu Vous

Source: TV5 Monde

 French.. The language of love eh! but also some basic complexities are probably challenging the love of the language from learners. Today, being Valentines day and all, we have decided to debunk one of the more complex approach to the language on how and when formal should you be?

The "rule"

The use of "Vous" has long predominated in French society, until the end of the 18th century. But the philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau, recommends the systematic tutelage in the family. Today, the use of "tu" is becoming more and more widespread, especially among younger generations. This evolution is generally attributed to the influence of the English language, in which the pronoun 'you' is perceived as the equivalent of the French 'tu', which is not necessarily true. 

But more than words, this diagram from the book Flirting with french explains it all...  - Happy valentines day.

When to use 'Tu' or 'Vous' in French:

Tu Vous
Source: TV5 Monde

Image source: Flirting with French 


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Presented by Christophe Mallet



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