What's the Difference Between Usted and Tu Commands?

Tú and usted are both Spanish words for “you”, but they each carry a different level of respect. Usted is the more formal version. It's used when referring to someone who is an acquaintance, of a higher status, or even simply just older. Tú is informal.

Are tu and usted commands the same?

Usted. Usted commands, like tú commands, are used to tell a person what to do. However, we use usted commands in more formal settings or to imply respect. For example, I use the tú form to talk to my friends, but I might use the usted form to talk to the director of the school where I work.

How do you do usted commands?

To create an usted command, remember the mantra: form of yo, drop the – o, add the opposite ending. Think of the present tense yo form of the verb you want to make into an usted command, then drop the – o ending and add the él, ella, or usted ending normally used for the opposite kind of verb.