In French we have two ways to say “you”. There is the formal way, where we use “vous” and the informal way, where we use “tu”. But when should we use one or the other? Continue reading this article to find the difference between “TU” (tutoiement) and “VOUS” “vouvoiement”. It ends with a little exercise to make sure you understood.
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A bit of history about “TU” (tutoiement) and “VOUS” “vouvoiement”…
In the 3rd century, latin was the language of Rome. Emperors spoke about themselves in plural, perhaps they wanted to show they are important people and show respect characterized by the plural and therefore “vous” or “vouvoiement” (the action to say “you”).
Later, during the French revolution, “vous” is the enemy, it needs to be abolished as it shows unfair hierarchy. You could be persecuted, put in jail for using the word “vous”. It is not until the era of Napoleon Bonaparte that the word “vous” is once again permitted. In May 1968, “vous” was the casualty of rebellious French students, challenging the formalities of the social hierarchy. In the 60s and 70s, good manners were seen as archaic and unfashionable.
Fun fact: a fight starts in a cafe because an employee of a cafe used the formal way “vous” with a revolutionary who wants to be “tutoyer” (use the informal ways) as everyone.
Nowadays, this is part of our society and “vous” is even taught at school, how to speak to adults, the teachers.
From my experience…
As a French person, I have always said “vous” to people I do not know. For example, with my manager I said “Madame” + her surname. When I moved in the UK, I realised that it was completely different. Not only the “you”, but also the fact we call our colleagues and manager by their first name. So if you go to France one day, please make sure you use “vous”, otherwise they are not going to take it well 😉
Also in my emails, when I asked for a quote for instance, I started my emails with “Dear Sir, Madam” and they replied to me: “Hi, Berenice”.
Anyway, I was like…
When to say “VOUS” to someone?
Definition
“Vouvoiement” refers to “vous” used to say “you” to someone we do not know or we respect. It is the politeness form. The use of “vous” can evolve to “tu”.
Examples of “vouvoiement”
In French you will use “vous” for the following people:
- Parents-in-law
- Elderly
- A neighbour you do not know
- Your manager
- Your colleagues usually older than you (except if the person agreed for you to say “tu”)
- The employees in a shop (except if it is your friend)
- Your GP or any doctor
- Your teachers
Be careful, because we use also use “vous” as plural to talk about a group of people. You will know this in a sentence with the context.
When to say “TU” to someone?
Definition
“Tutoiement” refers to “tu” used to say “you” to someone you know. It is more friendly, less formal when communication or talking to someone
Examples of “tutoiement”
- Your brother/sister
- Your parents
- Your friends
- Anyone you know or agreed for you to use “tu”
What about the other French speaking countries? Do they use “TU” (tutoiement) or “VOUS” (vouvoiement)?
In Belgium, “vous” is used like in France. However, in Quebec and Africa it is not as strict, “tu” is used more often. Did you know that in the african culture, “tutoiement” or the use of “tu” shows that the person is not seen as a stranger anymore but rather as a friend?
You can find more about French speakers in the world in my article: “Why you should learn French?“
Exercise: “TU” (tutoiement) or “VOUS” (vouvoiement)?
- Salut Romain, comment……?
a. allez-vous
b. vas-tu - Bonjour Monsieur Martin, …… de l’aide?
a. veux-tu
b. voulez-vous - Coucou Maman, …… passé une bonne journée?
a. as-tu
b. avez-vous - Bonjour Madame, …… une pizza 4 fromages?
a. as-tu
b. avez-vous - Bonjour Docteur, …… libre jeudi prochain à 15h?
a. êtes-vous
b. es-tu
Responses: “TU” (tutoiement) or “VOUS” (vouvoiement)?
Question 1: response b
Question 2: response b
Question 3: response a
Question 4: response b
Question 5: response a
So, in your language do you make the difference between “TU” and “VOUS”? Let me know in the comments and feel free to share this article 🙂
A bientôt!