Vouvoiement

Encyclopedia : V : VO : VOU : Vouvoiement

Vouvoiement refers to use of the formal register when conversing to someone in French, as opposed to the informal tutoiement. Vouvoiement is characterised by the use of the pronoun vous, instead of tu, and the appropriate conjugation of the verb. It is an example of T-V distinction.

It is normally used when speaking to those who are not close friends, or relatives.

Note that there is no direct translation in contemporary English, as there remains only the you form of addressing people. The informal thou, is now considered purely an archaism.

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