Question
Updated on
22 Jun 2021
- English (UK)
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French (France)
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Korean
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Spanish (Spain)
Question about Spain
Please help with the use of tú and usted. In a specific example, I have a Spanish tutor who I have known for years and also teaches my mum. I have visited her home town to spend time with her and have had video calls where she teaches me Spanish. I referred to her as tú because I consider her close. Would you refer to someone like this as tú or usted? I hope I haven’t offended her.
Please help with the use of tú and usted. In a specific example, I have a Spanish tutor who I have known for years and also teaches my mum. I have visited her home town to spend time with her and have had video calls where she teaches me Spanish. I referred to her as tú because I consider her close. Would you refer to someone like this as tú or usted? I hope I haven’t offended her.
Answers
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- Country or region Spain
In Spain we have a kind of "friendly culture". We try to treat each other in a friendly and close way. So using "tú" just makes you seem like you're close, you get on well with your teacher. She'll not get offended.
"Usted" is only used in very formal situations, like when talking to someone in the street that is older than you, with unkown elders, waiters, important people, etc. And even so many of them could tell you to use "tú" with them, too.
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- Country or region United Kingdom
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