How would you talk to a superior?

Question

Instead of using "tu", I know you use "usted." But does that apply for saying, "tu tintoreria"? What about "tu debes"? Do I have to change that? What do I change it to? Thanks for the help!

Answer 1

Su tintorería instead of tu tintorería

Tú debes... is an order... Usted debe... is an order too, but more polite.

Usted debería... is better, but is still a kind of order

Usted podría... is a suggestion

Great answer, Carlos. I appreciate the expansion. - CalvoViejo, ENE 27, 2010

Thanks CalvoViejo, you are welcome... - Carlos-F, ENE 28, 2010

Answer 2

Yes! Change all of the "tú" to "usted", all "tu" (your) to "su", and all of the verb endings (Usted endings are the same as the 3rd person plural).

Welcome to the forum and good question -- you did a great job of letting us know what you understand and what you needed help with.