Tu y Usted

Question

Hola amigos

After a while spent in Ecuador, I am now learning Spanish using a book.

In Ecuador, I learnt to use 'Tu' in informal settings and 'Usted' in formal. However, the book I am now using is neglecting 'Tu' altogether.

Ejemplo:

The book has asked me to translate 'Have you read the newspaper?'.

I would translate this as '¿Has leído el periódico?'

The book suggests the translation is '¿Ha leído el periódico?'

Are both correct, with 'ha' being formal and 'has' being informal?

Gracias chicos

Tú - not "tu". "Tu" means "your". - Tosh, Sep 10, 2011

I thought 'Su' was your? - Cheesus, Sep 10, 2011

But I just checked and I see that is wrong :) - Cheesus, Sep 10, 2011

Answer 1

When "haber" is used as an auxiliary verb to form compound tenses, "ha" is formal, and "has" is informal, yes.

¿Ha tenido que trabajar mucho? Have you (formal) had to work a lot?

¿Has tenido que trabajar mucho? Have you (informal) had to work a lot?

Answer 2

I thought 'Su' was your?

Your (formal): Su/sus.

Your (informal): Tu/tus.

Answer 3

Claro.

Gracias amigo.

Answer 4

Gracias