Spanish word of the day: Tutear

What does tutear mean?

Tutear (transitive verb) — To address someone using the familiar form "tú" instead of the formal "usted." It is used to convey a sense of familiarity or informality in communication.

Tutearse is the reciprocal form of the verb, which means to address each other informally using "tú". This form is used when two or more people are interacting with each other in an informal manner.

Example sentences with tutear

• Te puedo tutear?
  👋 Can I address you informally?

• Por favor, no me tutee, que no lo conozco a usted de nada.
  ⚠️ Please don't use informal language with me since we don't know each other.

• En Colombia, los amigos no se tutean. Se tratan de "usted".
  🧑‍🤝‍🧑 In Colombia, friends don't address each other informally. They use "usted" instead.

Confused about how to conjugate tutear? Our conjugation tables can help.

Tutear in context

Tutear is commonly used among friends, family, and in casual settings. However, in formal situations or when speaking to someone significantly older or in a position of authority, it's advisable to avoid tutear and use "usted" instead. For example, in some countries like Colombia, even friends might use "usted" as a sign of respect. In professional environments or when interacting with strangers, it's best to ask permission to use "tú" by saying "¿Te puedo tutear?" to ensure you're not being too informal. Understanding these subtleties can help you navigate social interactions more smoothly and avoid unintended offense!