I am interested in this Mexican girl, and I actually speak Spanish fairly well myself, but in this circumstance is it better to use usted or tu...she is 2 years older than me if that makes a difference
2006-12-28 15:57:20 · 18 answers · asked by cchambers123 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
Since you don't seem to know her very well, and she's a couple of years older, I'd suggest you use Usted, to show her not only respect, but also that you are familiar with our customs. She'll be impressed, and might suggest that you use Tu, getting you some extra brownie points at the same time.
2006-12-28 16:17:07 · answer #1 · answered by letsgetagripalready 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, normally when you meet a Spanish-speaking person, you'd want to be polite to them and use Usted.
However, since you're interested in this girl, you might want to use "tu." "Usted" is very formal and might make you see more distant and unreachable. If you use "tu," it will show her that you feel comfortable around her.
But use your judgement. You don't want to turn her off. Some people get offended when you first meet them and address them using "tu" (the verb for this is "tutear"). I would suggest use "usted" the very first time you talk to her, and after that, use "tu."
2006-12-29 00:04:15 · answer #2 · answered by Exotic traveler 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the girl, is she Mexican from Mexico, South America, From Los Angeles or NY? Is she sophisticated or common. You may use Usted to be formal (as in Writing or to emphasize "YOU") of Tu if you are talking directly to her. Using Tu as will I go to you. or you come to me? If asking How are you either may be use.. Tu is less formal.
2006-12-29 00:12:43 · answer #3 · answered by a_sojourner_withyou 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is fairly common in our culture to speak to someone using the term "usted" not just because the person is unknown to us or older but because is a way of showing respect.
When it comes to dating, always use the same terms, unless the person you are attracted to decides it's not necessary to be so formal. You can always ask her if you can treat her informally, it shows you value her beliefs and will respect her decisions.
If she decides to treat you formally, do not concern yourself, in some parts of Mexico, men and women still call each other "usted" (even though is very uncommon). But as she gets to know you and starts building trust in you, those boundaries of formality will eventually disappear and it will be easier for you to get closer to her and start a relationship as a couple.
Good luck!
2006-12-29 00:37:42 · answer #4 · answered by shorty17_83 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i would use tu...only argentinians use usted for people you know still....if she's not your "elder" even though shes older than you and if you are becoming friends use the tu. Generally i use the tu for people that are on my appropriate age level and so forth, whether we be friends or not.
2006-12-29 00:03:49 · answer #5 · answered by james p 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usted, only Cubans use Tu in situations like that (and I am Cuban so don't even think I'm trying to make fun!)
2006-12-29 00:00:58 · answer #6 · answered by dcrider125 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
try to read the situation, but I would start out w/ the formal Usted, and if she wants you to use the informal Tu, she'll let you know.
2006-12-29 00:01:09 · answer #7 · answered by golfgirl2011 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tu. Usted is way too formal.
2006-12-29 00:00:49 · answer #8 · answered by 22sa 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
usted is used when adressing older people and people u don't really know as a way of showing more respect. tu is more informal.
2006-12-29 00:00:43 · answer #9 · answered by Jessica R 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Usted until you get to know her well. Tu is very familiar.
2006-12-29 00:00:05 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋