¿Tú o usted?

We're going to use only one factor to determine the use of tú and usted: the age. It's thought that usted is a sign of respect for old people, and it's true.


This is even a problem for Spanish people sometimes. When do we say tú or usted? What conditions the choice? Let's take a look at some people in your life in Spain:

- The landlord: is probably and old man or woman, around 40-45 years old at least, usually. In this case, as a sign of respect for their age, we'll use usted.

- The language teacher in your class: this is not a problem. The teacher will probably tell you to use tú.

- Your friends: tú of course.

- The recepcionist at the hotel or the hostal you're staying: usted better, even though it's a young person working there. Why? Because you don't know this person. Usted also

- The neighbour nextdoor: depending on what the relationship is like. If you guys talk everyday

Cultural tip: if you're talking to an older person than you, but from 35-40 on, let's say, you can use a strategy: use usted and the person will tell you to switch to tú. If he doesn't say anything, continue using usted. Here, when you call somebody usted, like in many other countries, it's interpreted as a sign of a certain age, and old person. So, the person will tell you better.