Using Tu when you’re 74…

Lisa O.A1Kwiziq community member

Using Tu when you’re 74…

Can someone at least point me to a detailed explanation of when to use Tu. I am 74 and I have assumed nobody will tutoyer me automatically. I would prefer not to tutoyer someone else merely for some hierarchical reason, so I am focusing on the vous form (as does Pimsleur, which I am also using). But, if I go to a French Meet Up in America, will everyone be using Tu? And what about visiting Guadeloupe?

Asked 2 years ago
CécileNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Hi Lisa, 

Take a look at this comprehensive article highlighting when to use the 'tu' and the 'vous' in France today.

Let me know if it answers your query -

https://french.kwiziq.com/revision/tutoyer-or-vouvoyer-that-is-the-question

 

Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Hi Lisa, my advice is not to sweat this too much. When in doubt, use vous. If someone addresses you informally, you reciprocate.

Lisa O. asked:

Using Tu when you’re 74…

Can someone at least point me to a detailed explanation of when to use Tu. I am 74 and I have assumed nobody will tutoyer me automatically. I would prefer not to tutoyer someone else merely for some hierarchical reason, so I am focusing on the vous form (as does Pimsleur, which I am also using). But, if I go to a French Meet Up in America, will everyone be using Tu? And what about visiting Guadeloupe?

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