Forms of Address: Tu vs. Vous

The Crucial Distinction

The tu/vous distinction carries enormous social weight in French communication:

Vous (Formal): - Default with strangers - Professional contexts - Service interactions - Older people - Authority figures - Shows respect/distance

Tu (Informal): - Family and close friends - Children and young people - Established colleagues (sometimes) - After invitation to tutoyer - Intimate relationships - Shows familiarity/equality

Navigating the Transition

From Vous to Tu: - Wait for invitation: "On peut se tutoyer?" - Age/hierarchy matters (younger proposes to older) - Professional context affects timing - Regional variations exist - When uncertain, stay with vous

Inclusive Tip: Tu/Vous in Diverse Communities

French speakers from Africa or the Caribbean may have different tu/vous norms. Some communities use tu more readily, while others maintain formal distance longer. Follow individual leads rather than assuming uniform rules.

Modern Complexities

Digital Communication: - Email often maintains vous longer - Social media may jump to tu - Professional networks stay formal - Dating apps usually start with tu - Gaming/online communities default to tu