Should I call a waiter "usted"?

Question

My classmate insists we must call him usted because he is a stranger. But I think we should call him tu, because he is in service industry and usted means literally sir. What are your opinions? Please let me know! Thank you!

I've wondered that too, after seeing waiters addressed in teh 'tú' form - however, by people who they are familiar with. - galsally, Oct 18, 2010

Answer 1

A person's job has nothing to do with basic manners.

In Spanish, it is preferred, and normal, to do as your classmates say: If you're speaking to a stranger, and/or someone older than you or more senior in any way, you should approach them with "usted".

Circumstances will determine if at some point it is appropriate to switch to the informal "tú". There are exceptions to this, but if you're not familiar with the particular place where you are and its practices, you'll be safer going with this "rule".

There are some places where addressing a stranger by "tú" will definitely get you at least a dirty look.

Answer 2

I asked my teacher this very question because I was unsure of how to address a waiter. She said always use usted form. Gekkosan is correct that you might get a dirty look if you use tú form. If the waiter wants to tell you to use tú form with him, he will say something like "no me tratas como usted." Perhaps this would happen if you frequent the restaurant and keep talking to this particular waiter.

Answer 3

Just because he is serving you doesn't make him a inferior peasant so why not show a bit of respect and who knows you might get served quicker so address him/her in the usted form.

Answer 4

I agree with your classmate too, the word 'tu' is informal and used mainly for people you are familiar with.

Answer 5

I agree with your classmate!