tu .vs. usted?

Question

I've been to Mexico a few times. I do not recall ever hearing them us usted only tú. Is this part of the regional dialect?

Answer 1

Here in Mexico, I hear usted a lot. Especially when I go to the stores, or when strangers or kids talk to me. Tú is more for people that you are acquainted with, or people younger than you.

Answer 2

A lot of places will use the "tu" form even with strangers.

I asked Heidi about this (she's in Spain) and she said: we almost always use "tu" even with strangers.

So, yes, I think it's a regional thing.

Anyone else?

Answer 3

From people I've spoken with, in Venezuela, Chile, Argentina, Colombia, and some other places, they use usted for everyone except children. Usted is used with their own family too, which, who else could you be more familiar with?

Good point. - --Mariana--, Sep 25, 2009

Answer 4

Interesting Marianne. I didn't know it was acceptable to use tú instead of usted. Thanks for the info!! Glad it's the weekend.

Still, everywhere I go I use "usted" until someone tells me it's okay to use "tu." I'd rather err on the side of caution. - --Mariana--, Sep 25, 2009

Answer 5

As far as I know Usted is used as a formal "you" as in speaking with somebody who is older and "tú" is used with a more familiar tone or somebody of your own age/peer group. Unless otherwise specified by an "older" person you should use Usted as a show of respect. Hope this helps.