When speaking and writing, we use the pronoun subject “vous” to address someone formally. Using “vous” is polite.
The formal word “vous” is used with someone you don’t know or don’t know too well. It is also used at work and for people older than you.
At work, being formal is not always an obligation, it depends on the relationship you have with the person. It is the same with someone older than you. But you should be formal at least at the beginning.
Some people might be informal with you even when they should be formal, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you should do the same (it depends if you want to stay polite or not).
When speaking and writing, we use the pronoun subject “tu” for informal situations.
The informal “tu” is used for friends and family. Also, with children and teenagers and close associates.
Every time you are unsure you should be formal, as it is a polite thing to do.
You can switch from formal to informal, but there are rules to follow:
When two people with the same position or age meet for the first couple of times, they usually agree on being formal or informal and they stick to it.
For example:
On se tutoie ou on se vouvoie ? →
We say “tu” or “vous”?
More in the books
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