Tú vs usted in Spain
Quick answer
In Spain “tú” is the normal way to say “you”, even to waiters, shop staff and strangers your age. Use “usted” with older people, officials, and in very formal settings; if someone uses usted with you, use it back until they switch.
The quick rules
| Who you are talking to | In Spain | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Friends, family, people your age | tú | ¿Qué tal estás? |
| Waiters, baristas, shop staff | tú (usually) | Perdona, ¿cuánto es? |
| An older stranger | usted | Perdone, ¿dónde está la parada? |
| Police, doctors, officials | usted | ¿Me puede ayudar? |
| A group of friends | vosotros | ¿Qué queréis tomar? |
| A formal group | ustedes | ¿Qué desean tomar? |
The same question, two ways
Usted takes the same verb form as “él/ella” (he/she). That is all the grammar you need to start.
| Spanish | English | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Perdona… | Excuse me… (tú) | to someone your age |
| Perdone, ¿dónde está la parada? | Excuse me, where is the bus stop? (usted) | to an older stranger |
| ¿Cómo te llamas? | What’s your name? (tú) | |
| ¿Cómo se llama? | What’s your name? (usted) | |
| ¿Puedes repetir, por favor? | Can you repeat, please? (tú) | |
| ¿Puede repetir, por favor? | Can you repeat, please? (usted) | |
| ¿Qué tal estás? / ¿Qué tal está? | How are you? (tú / usted) |
Spain vs Latin America
- Spain uses tú much more than most of Latin America. In Colombia or Costa Rica you will hear usted even between friends.
- Argentina, Uruguay and parts of Central America use “vos” instead of tú: “vos tenés” instead of “tú tienes”.
- Latin America uses “ustedes” for every group, formal or not. Only Spain uses “vosotros”.
- In Hola Town you say “perdona” to Marta at the café and “perdone” to Don Ramón, the old man by the bus stop.
Questions people ask
Is it rude to use tú in Spain?
Almost never. Tú is the default in Spain, even with strangers your age and with shop staff. Use usted with older people and officials.
When should I use usted in Spain?
With older strangers, police, doctors and officials, and when someone addresses you as usted first.
What verb form goes with usted?
The same as él/ella: usted tiene, usted puede, usted está.
What is the plural of tú in Spain?
“Vosotros”, informal. “Ustedes” is the formal plural in Spain and the only plural in Latin America.