“Tu” and “Você” – How to Say “You” in Portuguese
What would you say? Is the correct way to say “You” in Portuguese “Tu”
Plus, these are not the only two forms to address a person formally or informally in Portuguese from Portugal. Forms of address are a basis of communication regardless of the language. Using the correct words can determine the result of your interactions. It can also help you establish sound relationships.
But to use personal pronouns, you must first familiarize yourself with the Portuguese language and culture. So, let’s end all doubts and help you address Portuguese natives respectfully.
Below, discover the differences between the words “Tu”
Then, analyze the differences between them in the two main Portuguese variants. Plus, learn about the mistakes you should avoid when using these Portuguese person pronouns. Continue reading to discover all about how you can say “You” in Portuguese.
Understanding The Difference Between “Tu” And “Você”

Learn more about personal pronouns and forms of address in an informal or formal environment in our course – The Journey. It is an interactive path through Portuguese from Portugal. And its goal is to help you learn without memorizing boring grammar rules. Instead, you will have fun and interact naturally with native speakers.
“Tu”
The Pronoun “Tu”
“Tu”
You will use it when speaking to family members and other people the same age as you, such as schoolmates. It is also standard practice to use it when addressing children or interacting with people younger than you.

The Second-person Singular Conjugation
With “Tu,” you must use the second-person singular conjugation. For instance, you would ask: “Tu falas Português?”
In these examples, the verbs “Falar”
The Pronoun “Você”
The term “Você”

“Vós” – The Second Person Plural in Portuguese
The original formal way of address in European Portuguese was the pronoun “Vós
You might have already seen “Vós”
“Você,” “Vocês,” and The Third Person Conjugation
The singular “Você”
Despite being an equivalent of “You,” “Você” uses the third-person singular conjugation. Thus, you would ask: “Você fala Inglês?”
You use “Vocês” when speaking to more than one person. Because it is a plural form, you must pair it with the verb, keeping the same form as its third-person plural conjugation. Hence, using the same example sentences, you would ask: “Vocês falam Inglês?”
These personal pronouns apply to the same situations and carry the same level of formality. Nowadays, it is also common for natives to use the word “Vocês” in informal contexts.
European Portuguese vs. Brazilian Portuguese

As you can see, Portuguese speakers use “Tu” as an informal pronoun. Then, depending on the region and personal viewpoint, they may or may not use “Você” in formal circumstances.
In Brazil, these pronouns also depend on the region and your relationship with the person. But the generalized form of address is “Você.”
Yet, many Brazilian dialects use the pronoun “Tu” for formal situations. In some regions, especially Southern states, “Tu” is the most common pronoun for natives. Still, Brazilians tend to be more relaxed people, while Portuguese natives are, in general, much more formal.
Thus, you can sometimes interchange “Tu” and “Você” when speaking Brazilian Portuguese. However, you must be mindful of the way you apply them in the European variant.
How to Address Someone in European Portuguese
Our European Portuguese program – The Journey – helps you understand the common forms of address with barely any effort. It uses engaging and fun learning techniques to help you learn Portuguese. With it, you will instinctively know how to react in formal and informal situations.
Should You Use The Word “Você” or Not?
Many European Portuguese natives associate the word: “Você” with Brazilian Portuguese. Some see it as an informal address, an alternative to “Tu.” Others think of it as a way to indicate someone is from a lower social standing or even see it as a disrespectful expression.
So, the main issue with using “Você” to address someone formally is that you do not know how the other person will react. Still, there are several forms of address you can use to avoid these pronouns. Here are four valuable alternatives.
4 Alternatives to “Você” and “Vocês”
As a non-native speaker, it is crucial to know how to use the appropriate polite forms in both informal and formal situations. Our Ultimate Guide on How to Address a Portuguese addresses everything you need to know about this subject. It explains the levels of formality in Portuguese from Portugal and how you can know when to use the second person and the third person.
Suppress The Pronoun
The simplest way to not use “Você” and “Vocês” and maintain formality in conversation is to suppress the pronoun. Conjugate the verb according to the appropriate form of address to avoid the awkwardness of choosing the wrong pronoun.
This way, “Tu falas Inglês?”
In this last case, you use an equivalent of the second-person plural. But remember that you must conjugate the verb in the third-person plural. Doing so ensures you keep the distance necessary for the other person to feel respected.
Use “O senhor”/”A senhora” And “Os senhores”/”As senhoras”
If you are speaking with a single person, you can use “o senhor
In this case, the plural forms would be “Os senhores
For Ladies, Use “Dona” or “Menina”
These two forms are just for women. “Dona”
Use The Person’s Name
For a less formal address that still uses the third person, you can substitute the pronoun for the person’s name. For example, you can say: “Joana, fala Inglês?”

At the same time, it maintains a proper distance and respect. Besides, you won’t have to choose a specific label that could be incorrect or offensive. So, it also facilitates your communication.
What if You Get It Wrong?
There will be times when you make mistakes. Yes, you should know the different forms of formal and informal addresses. You must also learn to conjugate Portuguese verbs correctly. But you need to maintain reasonable expectations.
Even natives get pronouns and forms of address wrong once in a while. They will understand you are a language learner doing your best. If they correct you, it might leave you a bit embarrassed, but it will help you remember the right words for next time.
The truth is, you will only truly learn Portuguese from the moment you start using it. You are bound to get things wrong now and then. Think of it as being all part of your journey. Plus, you will have lots of funny stories to tell when you are fluent!
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Conclusion on How to Address Someone in European Portuguese
Forms of address are some of the most paramount elements in conversation. They are crucial features with the power to win over or deeply offend those you interact with. Thus, you must learn to use them confidently and to your advantage.
For example, the pronouns “Tu”
Now, there are no more misunderstandings! You have learned to use them properly and be respectful while interacting with Portuguese speakers. Besides, you have also explored all eight forms to address someone in an informal or formal context.
Was this article helpful for you? Do you have any other questions about how to say “You” in Portuguese? Let us know through the comment section below!
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