Choosing Between “Tu” and “Vous” in French: Formality and Context Exercises

Understanding the distinction between "tu" and "vous" is a fundamental aspect of mastering French. These pronouns both mean "you" in English, but they are used in different contexts. "Tu" is informal and used with friends, family, and peers, while "vous" is formal and used in professional settings, with strangers, or when addressing someone with respect. Navigating this aspect of French etiquette can be tricky for non-native speakers, but getting it right is crucial for effective communication and cultural integration. Our exercises are designed to help you practice and internalize when to use "tu" and "vous" in various scenarios. By working through real-life contexts and dialogues, you'll gain a better understanding of the subtleties that dictate the choice between these pronouns. Whether you are preparing for a trip to a French-speaking country, improving your language skills for work, or simply enriching your knowledge, these exercises will provide you with the confidence and competence to interact appropriately in French.

Exercise 1

1. Est-ce que *tu* viens ce soir ? (informal invitation to a friend)

2. Excusez-moi, *vous* pourriez m'indiquer le chemin ? (asking a stranger for directions)

3. *Tu* as fait tes devoirs ? (asking a classmate about homework)

4. Madame, *vous* avez oublié votre sac. (addressing a woman formally)

5. *Tu* veux aller au cinéma ce week-end ? (inviting a friend to the movies)

6. Monsieur, est-ce que *vous* pouvez m'aider ? (asking an older man for help)

7. *Tu* aimes la musique classique ? (asking a friend about their music preference)

8. Excusez-moi, *vous* avez l'heure ? (asking a stranger for the time)

9. *Tu* viens à la fête ce soir ? (inviting a friend to a party)

10. *Vous* êtes prêts pour la réunion ? (addressing a group formally)

Exercise 2

1. *Tu* veux aller au cinéma ce soir ? (Speaking to a friend)

2. *Vous* avez une réservation pour combien de personnes ? (Speaking to a restaurant customer)

3. Excusez-moi, est-ce que *vous* pourriez m'aider ? (Speaking to a stranger)

4. *Tu* as fini tes devoirs ? (Speaking to a younger sibling)

5. Monsieur Dupont, est-ce que *vous* avez reçu mon email ? (Speaking to a colleague)

6. Est-ce que *tu* peux me prêter ton stylo ? (Speaking to a classmate)

7. *Vous* avez choisi votre plat ? (Speaking to a customer in a restaurant)

8. Est-ce que *tu* viens à la fête demain ? (Speaking to a friend)

9. Madame Legrand, est-ce que *vous* avez des questions ? (Speaking to a teacher)

10. *Tu* peux m'envoyer ce document par email ? (Speaking to a coworker you are close to)

Exercise 3

1. Est-ce que *tu* veux aller au cinéma ce soir ? (informal, talking to a friend)

2. Madame Dupont, *vous* avez laissé vos lunettes sur la table. (formal, addressing an older person or superior)

3. Peux-*tu* me prêter ton stylo, s'il te plaît ? (informal, asking a classmate)

4. Monsieur, *vous* désirez un café ou un thé ? (formal, addressing a customer)

5. *Tu* as fini tes devoirs pour demain ? (informal, talking to a sibling)

6. Excusez-moi, *vous* pouvez m'indiquer le chemin pour aller à la gare ? (formal, asking a stranger for directions)

7. Salut, est-ce que *tu* viens à la fête samedi ? (informal, talking to a peer)

8. Madame, *vous* avez une très belle maison. (formal, complimenting a neighbor)

9. *Tu* préfères le chocolat ou la vanille ? (informal, asking a friend’s preference)

10. Monsieur le Directeur, *vous* avez approuvé le projet ? (formal, addressing a superior at work)