T–V distinction in the world's languages

In most [[French language|French]]-speaking regions (with some exceptions, see [[#French (North America)|North American]] and [[#French (Côte d'Ivoire)|Ivorian French]] below), a rigid T–V distinction is upheld. With regard to the second-person singular, {{lang|fr|tu}} is used informally, whereas {{lang|fr|vous}} is used to convey formality. The second-person plural is always {{lang|fr|vous}}. The formal {{lang|fr|vous}} is expected when encountering any unknown adult under normal circumstances. In general, the switch from {{lang|fr|vous}} to {{lang|fr|tu}} is "negotiated" on a case-by-case basis; it can happen nearly unconsciously, or can be explicitly negotiated. For instance, some couples have been known to call each other {{lang|fr|vous}} for some time while dating, and gradually switch to calling each other {{lang|fr|tu}}. The verb {{wikt-lang|fr|tutoyer}} means "address someone with {{lang|fr|tu}}-forms, speak informally"; by contrast {{lang|fr|vouvoyer}} means "address someone with {{wikt-lang|fr|vous}} forms". Rigidly sticking to ''vous'' can become equally awkward in a long-standing relationship.

In most [[French language|French]]-speaking regions (with some exceptions, see [[#French (North America)|North American]] and [[#French (Côte d'Ivoire)|Ivorian French]] below), a rigid T–V distinction is upheld. With regard to the second-person singular, {{lang|fr|tu}} is used informally, whereas {{lang|fr|vous}} is used to convey formality. The second-person plural is always {{lang|fr|vous}}. The formal {{lang|fr|vous}} is expected when encountering any unknown adult under normal circumstances. In general, the switch from {{lang|fr|vous}} to {{lang|fr|tu}} is "negotiated" on a case-by-case basis; it can happen nearly unconsciously, or can be explicitly negotiated. For instance, some couples have been known to call each other {{lang|fr|vous}} for some time while dating, and gradually switch to calling each other {{lang|fr|tu}}. The verb {{wikt-lang|fr|tutoyer}} means "address someone with {{lang|fr|tu}}-forms, speak informally"; by contrast {{lang|fr|vouvoyer}} means "address someone with {{wikt-lang|fr|vous}} forms". Rigidly sticking to ''vous'' can become equally awkward in a long-standing relationship.

In certain circumstances, however, {{lang|fr|tu}} is used more broadly. For example, new acquaintances who are conscious of having something socially significant in common (e.g., student status, or the same "rank" in some hierarchy) often use ''tu'' more or less immediately. In some cases, there may be an explicitly defined practice in a particular company, political party, as to the use of {{lang|fr|tu}} and {{lang|fr|vous}}. Also, using the {{lang|fr|vous}} in conjunction with someone's given name is rather current in France as a less formal way of addressing someone, e.g. at work, among members of an association etc. Children and adolescents generally use {{lang|fr|tu}} to speak with someone of their own age, whether known or not. {{lang|fr|Tu}} can also be used to show disrespect to a stranger, such as when surprising a thief or cursing other drivers on the road.

In certain circumstances, however, {{lang|fr|tu}} is used more broadly. For example, new acquaintances who are conscious of having something socially significant in common (e.g., student status, or the same "rank" in some hierarchy) often use ''tu'' more or less immediately. In some cases, there may be an explicitly defined practice in a particular company, political party, as to the use of {{lang|fr|tu}} and {{lang|fr|vous}}. Also, using the {{lang|fr|vous}} in conjunction with someone's given name is rather current in France as a less formal way of addressing someone, e.g. at work, among members of an association etc. Children and adolescents generally use {{lang|fr|tu}} to speak with someone of their own age, whether known or not. {{lang|fr|Tu}} can also be used to show disrespect voluntarily to a stranger, such as when surprising a thief or cursing other drivers on the road.

{{lang|fr|Vous}} may be used to distance oneself from a person with whom one does not want to interact. Additionally, two people who use {{lang|fr|tu}} in their private interactions may consciously switch back to {{lang|fr|vous}} in public in order to act appropriately in a formal or professional environment, to play the part in an artificially constructed situation (such as between co-hosts of a television show), or simply to conceal the nature of their relationship from others.

{{lang|fr|Vous}} may be used to distance oneself from a person with whom one does not want to interact. Additionally, two people who use {{lang|fr|tu}} in their private interactions may consciously switch back to {{lang|fr|vous}} in public in order to act appropriately in a formal or professional environment, to play the part in an artificially constructed situation (such as between co-hosts of a television show), or simply to conceal the nature of their relationship from others.