Italian · Greetings & Essentials
"You" in Italian: tu
tu
Note: formal: Lei; plural: voi
You (singular informal) in Italian is tu (too). Formal singular is Lei; plural informal is voi. Verb endings often make tu optional: parli already means you speak.
Splitting tasks
Tu cucini, io metto tavola.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce tu
Say it
too
/tu/
Tu is a clear too, short u. Not English yoo.
"You" in Italian: quick reference
| Italian | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| tu | you (singular informal) Friends, family, peers. | Friends, family, peers. |
| Lei | you (formal singular) Strangers, service, elders. | Strangers, service, elders. |
| voi | you (plural) Talking to more than one. | Talking to more than one. |
| dare del tu | to use tu with someone Ci diamo del tu? | Ci diamo del tu? |
How to use tu in real life
- 1Splitting tasks
Tu cucini, io metto tavola.
You cook, I set the table.
Tu for contrast.
- 2Checking plans
Tu vieni al cinema stasera?
Are you coming to the cinema tonight?
Tu + verb.
- 3Friendly emphasis
Tu sì che sai ascoltare.
You really know how to listen.
Tu for spotlight.
Mistakes English speakers make with tu
Incorrect: Tu è simpatico.
Correct: Tu sei simpatico.
Conjugate for tu: sei, not è.
Incorrect: Tu formale con il capo.
Correct: Usa Lei con il capo, non tu.
Work hierarchy often keeps Lei.
Good to know
Younger Italians switch to tu fast among peers. Asking Ci diamo del tu? softens the jump from Lei. In shops, Lei still sounds polite.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Agreeing to use informal address
ChatPal
Possiamo darci del tu?
Can we use tu with each other?
You
Certo, diamoci del tu pure subito.
Sure, let's use tu right away.
ChatPal
Ok: tu come ti chiami di nuovo?
Ok: what's your name again (tu)?
You
Io sono Alex; e tu?
I'm Alex; and you?
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"You" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "You" in Italian
Tu or Lei?
Tu with friends; Lei with strangers and formal situations.
Plural you?
Voi.
Do I always say tu?
No—verb endings often make it optional.
How do I offer tu?
Ci diamo del tu?
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
Keep reading
- How to Learn Italian Fast and Speak with ConfidenceLearn how to learn Italian with a clear roadmap, speaking-first tactics and daily habits that turn basics into real conversation confidence.
- Translate Hello in Italian with ConfidenceLearn how to translate hello in Italian with context, pronunciation, and practice prompts. Master ciao, buongiorno, buonasera, and salve for real conversations.
