In Spanish there are four different ways of talking directly to people other that yourself. In English, we use the single word “you’ to express these four ways of addressing other people. Therefore, it is not suprising most English speakers get confused when trying to state the different forms of saying “you’ in Spanish since this concept is so foreign to the English language.

It is important to be able to use these four Spanish forms correctly if you ever hope to speak fluent Spanish. Study the the explanations below.

First, “tú” (you singular form) is used almost exclusively when talking to one’s immediate family, to children, to animals and above all to close friends. This form is also used among close acquaintances of all ages. There is no absolute guide for the appropriate use of the so-called “intimate” form of “tú” but it is safe to use it with people one’s own age. In fact, Spanish has a special verb “tutearse” which means to speak to one another in the familiar or “tú” form.

Secondly,”vosotros” is the plural form of tú and roughly translates as “you all” or “all of you”. This form is employeed in Spain and rarely heard in Latin America. Instead, “ustedes” is substituted for all plural second persons. You should understand this form if you are going to study Spanish literature, but can forget it when it comes to spoken Spanish.

The form “vos” which is used instead of “tú” (you familiar) in some parts of Central and South merica including Costa rica, should not be confused with the plural form “vosotros” which as I just mentioned generally replaces “ustedes” in Mexican, Caribbean and South American Spanish.

“Usted” is the formal for saying “you” and is used in business and with anyone who is not a close friend or peer. Finally, “ustedes” is the plural form of “tú” in Latin America as we saw before. The plural of “usted” is also used to speak to more than one person on a formal basis or to two or more intimate people, friends, ect.

This explanation should clarity any confusion about the four ways to say “you’ in Spanish. if you still have any questions, consult a Spanish tutor or ask a Spanish teacher.

Tiquismo of the week: jamonero is a type of bully