Tú, usted and ustedes
Type the missing word in each sentence. You hear each sentence read by a native voice.
¿Qué tipo de pan hoy?
What kind of bread do you want today?
The rule
English uses one word for everyone, but Spanish picks between tú (informal, one person), usted (formal, one person), and ustedes (any group). Each form takes a different verb ending, and choosing the wrong one can sound either too stiff or too familiar. Argentina, Uruguay, and much of Central America use vos instead of tú; this course teaches tú, which every Spanish speaker understands.
The pattern
Tú is informal singular. Use it with friends, family, peers, and children.
Usted (abbreviated Ud.) is formal singular. Use it with strangers, older people you do not know well, and authority figures. It takes the same verb form as él and ella.
Ustedes (abbreviated Uds.) is plural. In Latin America, it covers every group, formal or informal. It takes the same verb form as ellos and ellas.
| Person | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| tú | informal "you" | tú tienes |
| usted | formal "you" | usted tiene |
| ustedes | plural "you" | ustedes tienen |
Spain also uses vosotros for informal groups, with verb endings like -áis or -éis: vosotros tenéis. Latin American Spanish does not use vosotros. Use ustedes for all groups.
Switching from usted to tú signals growing familiarity. This is a social choice, not a grammar error. When the relationship is unclear, usted is the safer pick.
Examples
- Tú tienes razón.You are right.
- Tú trabajas aquí.You work here.
- Usted tiene una reserva.You have a reservation.
- ¿Usted necesita ayuda?Do you need help?
- Ustedes tienen una reunión mañana.You all have a meeting tomorrow.
- ¿Ustedes viven cerca?Do you all live nearby?
- En España, vosotros tenéis tiempo.In Spain, you all have time.
Watch out
- Usted tienes razón. Usted tiene razón.Usted takes the same verb form as él and ella.
- Tú tiene una pregunta. Tú tienes una pregunta.Tú takes the informal singular verb form.
- Vosotros tienen hambre. Ustedes tienen hambre.In Latin America, use ustedes for any group, not vosotros.
- Ustedes tiene una reunión. Ustedes tienen una reunión.Ustedes takes the same verb form as ellos and ellas.