There are three ways to address people in Spanish:
tú form: informal speaking (most common)
Tú comes la zanahoria.
- You eat the carrot. Tú juegas con la silla.
- You play with the chair.
usted form: formal speaking
Usted está contento.
- You are happy. Usted tiene gripe.
- You have a cold.
vos form: informal speaking
Vos cantás en la ópera.
- You sing in the opera. Vos jugás muy bien el futbol.
- You play futbol very well.
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Quick Explanation
There are three ways to address people in Spanish:
Tú form: informal speaking (most common)
Tú comes la zanahoria.
You eat the carrot.
Tú juegas con la silla.
You play with the chair.
usted form: formal speaking
Usted está contento.
You are happy.
Usted tiene gripe.
You have a cold.
vos form: informal speaking
Vos jugás muy bien el futbol.
You play futbol very well.
Vos cantás en la ópera.
You sing in the opera.
Long Explanation
These three forms (tú, usted, vos) are used in different countries throughout Central América, South América and Spain; however, some countries use the three different forms within the same country or area.
People usually use tú (informal), when talking to:
* family or partners (husband, girlfriend, etc)
* close friends
* younger people (children, teenagers)
* commonly used in Mexico, Antillas and some South American countries.
Tú eres muy cómico.
You are very funny.
As mentioned in other lessons, you don´t need to use the tú-usted-vos word before the verb, since the verb conjugation already implies the person we are talking about. You may use it to stress the person we are referring to.
Eres el amor de mi vida.
You are the love of my life.
People usually use usted when talking to:
* somebody you just met
* people older than you
* very important people (higher rank, etc.)
Usted es muy cercana con ella. ¿Trabajan en la misma oficina?
You are very close to her. Do you work in the same office?
Habla inglés?
Do you speak English?
During the IV century the vos form was used to refer to the Emperor in Spain, but afterwards it became popular among all social classes. People usually use vos when talking to:
* people your same age especially among teenagers (very informal)
* somebody you have known your whole life
* in some countries, among men
* commonly used in Uruguay, Argentina, most of Central America, and others. Vos sos mi mejor amigo! - You are my best friend. Corrés rápido. - You run fast.
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