what's the difference between "tu es" & "vous etes"? in french?

Question

I know both mean "you are" but what's the difference when you are speaking to a specific person?

Answer 1

if you're referring to it as you noted above as "you are", so to *one* person, you would use "vous êtes" if it's an elder, someone who is 'above' you in terms of work, etc..., or someone you don't know, sometimes even if they're younger. It's a polite, respectful way of saying it. Rule of thumb: If you don't know the person, always use "vous" until they tell you otherwise (often with "vous pouvez me tutoyer", meaning "please use 'tu' with me").

Answer 2

"Tu es" is singular, as in speaking to one person, and "vous etes" is plural, as in addressing more than one person. However, if you want to be polite to someone, you would say "vous etes" instead of "tu es", to show that you respect him/her.

Answer 3

Tu es means 'you are' and is used when you are speaking to one person. Vous etes means 'you are' and is used when speaking to more than one person. i.e., Tu es is singular, vous etes is plural.

Answer 4

tu est is singular but if you are talking to someone older like your gramma or the queen you have to say vous etes, even if it's only one person.

it's more polite.

Answer 5

tu es is for one person, but vous etes is for more than one.

Answer 6

It is the same thing as, in old English, "thou art" and "you are". "Tu es" is a more familiar form, whereas "vous êtes" is more formal. "Vous êtes" is also used as a plural.

Answer 7

"vous" means "you" plural. so, vous etes is like, "you people are". if you were speaking to a specific person, you would use "tu", not "vous".