The relationship and local custom help you choose between tú and usted.
The idea
Use tú with the informal singular verb, as in tú hablas; use usted with the third-person singular, as in usted habla.
Examples
- Tú hablas con tu amiga.You speak with your friend.
- Usted habla con la doctora.You speak with the doctor.
- ¿Tú tienes tiempo mañana?Do you have time tomorrow?
- ¿Usted tiene una reserva?Do you have a reservation?
- Tú vives cerca de la estación.You live near the station.
- Usted vive en esta calle.You live on this street.
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Watch out
Do not pair usted with hablas: the formal pronoun takes habla. In some regions vos is also used informally.
Try it yourself
Choose the form for a friend: Tú ___ español. (hablas / habla)
Show answer or example answer
hablas
Hablas matches the informal subject in the sentence.
Choose the form for formal address to one person: Usted ___ café. (bebes / bebe)
Show answer or example answer
bebe
Bebe matches the formal subject addressing one person.
Choose the informal pronoun: ___ trabajas aquí. (Tú / Usted)
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Tú
Tú fits the informal verb trabajas.
Practice round
Answer questions, then rebuild Spanish sentences where available. We keep your score.
Choose the form for a friend: Tú ___ español. (hablas / habla)
Choose the form for formal address to one person: Usted ___ café. (bebes / bebe)
Choose the informal pronoun: ___ trabajas aquí. (Tú / Usted)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Address a friend and then a customer using a matching verb.