English is one of the few languages where communication is not separated into the polite and the less formal form. In most Latin languages however there is a clear differentiation between the two. Museum of Knowledge French courses clearly show examples of dialogue using these different formats.

The Museum of Knowledge team is often asked, when French language learners should use “vous” and when they should use “tu.” In more simpler terms “vous” is used in formal conversations with people unknown to the speaker. It may also be used in situations whereby the user knows the person to whom they are addressing but perhaps in business scenarios addressing colleagues with the “vous” address will always be employed. In other situations the person addressed may be an adult who is being spoken to by a child and in the case of an adult he/she may be addressed by an employee or subordinate.

“Tu” in French is typically used in instances whereby the individuals involved in the dialogue know each other very well and are undertaking informal discussions, perhaps between friends or family members for example. The “tu” format may also be used between employees of equal ranking who know each other very well.