realalchemist

[icy spire]

Please be patient

Our volunteers look into many questions every day; sometimes it takes them a little while to answer.

Pro tip: you can rename the thread title with `.tr <thread name>`

Make it descriptive, including relevant context, but also to the point. This way you improve your chances of getting a more relevant and specific answer.

[hidden wasp]

what do you mean? what kind of answer are you looking for? Why do we say "you" in the singular even though it's plural? it's the same thing, the language evolves over time

"vous" is both a plural and a respectful "you". English used to have the same thing, which is where "you" comes from. The informal singular just fell out of use

[formal basalt]

"parles-tu français ?" and "parlez-vous français ?" are both correct
one using tu to speak to one person in a friendly manner
one using vous to speak to multiple people, or one person in a respectful manner

[shadow tangle]

apparently it came from royalty, kings and emperors represented their kingdoms so they were referred to in plural form.

https://www.radiofrance.fr/franceculture/qui-a-invente-le-vouvoiement-5038330

[hearty ravine]

thou and thee being the old singular

[hidden wasp]

ya

[idle acorn]

Je suppose qu’ils diraient « votre majesté » devant le roi

[hidden wasp]

;tu

[icy spire]

https://i.imgur.com/QeO3r3Q.png

[brazen raptor]

WTF?!?! Is this a joke or are you being serious?

[formal basalt]

both
the chart is supposed to be humorous but is actually quite accurate

[brazen raptor]

😭

[formal basalt]

tu is friendly; that's what you use to speak to your friends and family, also kids and people online
vous is respectful and distant; that's what you use to speak to most strangers, business relations, teachers