Use of imperative: tú versus ud.

Question

I'm really struggling with the proper use of the imperative, and I'm really trying to pay attention when I notice it being used.

I mostly hear the tú form in speech, and when I read instructions on products, I also notice that the tú form is used.

Is the Ud. form used commonly? And, how offensive would it be to accidentally use the tú form of an imperative where Ud. is called for?

I'm actually kind of afraid to use the imperative, for fear of being rude.

Answer 1

I wouldn't be afraid of the imperative. We use it all the time in English, and only rarely does one take offense. The same is true in Spanish. My experience has been that if I use the "tú" form accidentally, no one is offended. In fact, I think people are curious about shy I seldom use the "tú" form in day to day conversations (it's because of habit, more than anything). I've traveled throughout Ecuador, Colombia and Venezuela. Right now I'm in Guatemala. Many people in all of these countries use "tú" when talking to me, and expect that I'll do the same when talking to them.

I can't speak for the usage in Spain or other areas of Latin America, but I think you will probably not offend anyone if you slip up and use the "tú" form unintentionally. Native Spanish speakers are very tolerant of foreign speakers' errors with their language, que sepa yo.

In Spain, tú is much more common than in most of Latin America, and is used in many cases where Ud. would be used elsewhere. - MacFadden, May 5, 2010

Answer 2

It is not considered extremely rude, per say just more disrespectful. If you should make a mistake just simply apologize and correct yourself. Most will understand.