Tutoyer (en. Use the familiar form)

/ty.twa.je/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

verb

Speaking to someone using the pronoun 'tu' instead of 'vous'.

He decided to address me informally from our first meeting.

Il a décidé de me tutoyer dès notre première rencontre.

Allowing oneself to be familiar with a person.

In some contexts, addressing informally is a sign of trust.

Dans certains contextes, tutoyer est un signe de confiance.

Adopting a less formal approach in communication.

One can address friends informally, but it is better to use 'vous' with colleagues.

On peut tutoyer les amis, mais il vaut mieux vouvoyer les collègues.

From Old French 'tutoyer' which derives from 'tu', the second-person singular pronoun.

Addressing people informally

Using 'tu' with people who are typically addressed as 'vous'.

Tutoyer les gens

Choosing to address informally

Deciding to address someone in an informal manner.

Faire le choix de tutoyer

Informal address among friends

Use of 'tu' within a friendly circle.

Tutoiement entre amis

to address someone formally

Using polite form with 'vous'.

vouvoyer

familiar

Which is in a friendly and informal setting.

familier

closeness

State of being close or intimate with someone.

proximité

Addressing informally in a casual setting.

We can address each other informally in this group of friends.

On bisa tutoyer dans ce groupe d'amis.

Using 'tu' quickly among acquaintances.

At the university, everyone addresses each other informally for a more friendly atmosphere.

À l'université, tout le monde se tutoie pour une ambiance plus conviviale.