tú and Usted

Question

I know the basics of using tú and Usted, but the specifics are unclear.

When I lived in Germany, the general rule among adults was ALWAYS use the formal form until the older (or higher up) person suggested using the informal form.

It seems to me that most Hispanic cultures are more informal. I hear adults using tú all the time, and even advertisements. So, do you need permission to use tú between adults?

For example, if I PM someone on the site, should I use Usted (which might be too formal or cold) or tú (which might be insulting)? Does it vary by region?

Thank you!!!

Good question Kattya - Izanoni1, Dec 21, 2009

Answer 1

I have adopted a standard which works well for me. Strangers=Usted(unless they tutear me), As I am over 60 years old, anyone notably younger I will tutear, unless they are clergy, Police, doctors or other professional types. Children I will always tutear. This is just my standard.

thanks, that makes sense to me. With someone your own age that you are getting to know, does one person initiate using tú? Is it an unspoken agreement? - kattya, Dec 22, 2009

Answer 2

I had previously read that usted is derived from the arabic ustaadh (ultimately derived from Persian usta) from the Al-Andalus days. It has a similar meaning to the Spanish usted (means master, teacher, profesional etc.). However I just googled it again and apparantly it is a mere coincidence.

interesting! - kattya, Dec 22, 2009

Answer 3

So is the assumption that on this site we all know each other (eventually) and therefore most people use tú?