Italian Grammar Mastering the Informal and Formal You

Italian Grammar Mastering the Informal and Formal You Brooke Neuman When it comes to Italian grammar, understanding  the informal and formal you can be very difficult. Below, Italian teacher Giulio G. shares some tips and tricks on how master this common Italian grammar conundrum In the Italian language, there are three  ways to say you; tu (informal)  Lei (formal)  and Voi (plural).  For beginner Italian students, it can be difficult to determine the correct  form  when speaking. After all, theres only one you in the English language. Nonetheless, its important that you choose the correct form when conversing with others. This is especially  important  when youre in formal settings; for example, when youre first meeting someone, speaking with an older person, or addressing a person with higher rank or authority. Below is an Italian lesson on  mastering the informal and formal you: Tu (Informal) Typically, tu is used in everyday conversation. For example, you would use tu when talking to someone your own age or younger. You may also use tu when speaking to someone that you know well, such as a friend or a family member. See examples below: Scusami, sai dov’è la stazione?  (You are asking for directions to a person you already know) Claudia, vuoi venire a cena a casa nostra? (Claudia is a friend of yours) Non capisco questo esercizio. Me lo puoi spiegare (You are asking a friend of yours to explain an exercise to you) Lei (Formal) Lei is used in a more formal setting. For example, when a person addresses someone  with whom he or she has a professional relationship, such as a colleague or professor. Its also used when  a person starts a conversation with someone  with whom he or she does not have any previous relationship. See examples below: Mi scusi, sa dov’è la stazione?  (You are asking for directions to a complete stranger) Dottor Rossi, vuole venire a cena a casa nostra? (Dottor Rossi can be your boss, an elderly person, or an important figure) Non capisco questo esercizio me lo può spiegare? (You are asking your professor for help) Oftentimes, once you get to know an Italian they will ask you, Possiamo darci del tu?, which means they would like  switch to the tu form now that theyre  more comfortable with you. Voi (Plural) In the past, voi  was often used as a formal way of addressing someone and showing respect; for example government officials or the Pope. Oftentimes, children would use it to address their elders.  See examples below: Padre, oggi  indossate una così bella cravatta. (Father, you are wearing such a beautiful tie today.) Grandma, are you going to the Mass? (Grandma, are you gong to the Mass?) Vostra eminenza, potreste incontrarmi? Ho bisogno di un consiglio.  (Your Eminence, could you meet me? I  need advice.) Voi, however, is no longer really used in normal social situations. Nonetheless, its important to be familiar with how to use it just in case. Learning the Italian grammar rules for the informal and formal you isnt easy. However, working with your Italian teacher and practicing on your own is a good way to master this pesky Italian grammar rule. Post Author: Giulio Giannetti Giulio Giannetti received his degree from the University of Florence in linguistics and intercultural relations and is currently getting his masters degree at the University of Bologna. Find a language lesson near you. Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher