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B2 verb 11分で読める

tutoyer

練習する例文メモとヒント tutoyer 30秒で

解説 tutoyer in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just beginning to learn the difference between 'tu' and 'vous'. You learn that 'tu' is for one person you know well, like a friend or a family member, while 'vous' is for someone you don't know, a group of people, or someone you should respect, like a teacher or a boss. The verb 'tutoyer' itself might be a bit advanced for you right now, but you are already doing the action! When you say 'Salut, comment vas-tu ?' to a friend, you are 'tutoying' them. At this stage, just remember that 'tu' is informal and 'vous' is formal. If you meet a new person in France, it is always best to use 'vous' until they tell you otherwise. You might hear someone say 'On peut se dire tu ?' which is a simple way of asking to 'tutoyer'. Don't worry if you make mistakes; most French people understand that learners find this distinction difficult. The key is to notice who uses 'tu' and who uses 'vous' in the dialogues you listen to. You will see that children always use 'tu' with each other, but they use 'vous' with adults. This is the very beginning of understanding French social rules. As you progress, you will learn how to conjugate the verb 'tutoyer' itself, but for now, focus on the pronouns 'tu' and 'vous' and the verbs that go with them.

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At the A2 level, you are starting to use more verbs to describe social actions, and 'tutoyer' is one of them. You understand that 'tutoyer' means 'to use the tu form with someone'. You should be able to recognize this verb in the present tense. For example, if someone asks you, 'Est-ce que tu tutoies ton professeur ?', you should understand they are asking if you use the informal 'tu' with your teacher. You also learn that the opposite is 'vouvoyer'. At this level, you might start to feel the social pressure of choosing the right pronoun. You know that using 'tu' with a stranger or a superior can be seen as a mistake. You are learning to ask for permission to use 'tu' more naturally. A common phrase at this level is 'On peut se tutoyer ?'. This is a reflexive use of the verb, meaning 'Can we tutoyer each other?'. You are also becoming more aware of the possessive adjectives that go with 'tutoyer' (ton, ta, tes) versus 'vouvoyer' (votre, vos). In your writing and speaking, you should try to be consistent. If you start a conversation by 'tutoying' someone, don't switch to 'vous' later. This consistency is a sign that you are moving toward a higher level of fluency. You might also notice that in many French-speaking cultures outside of France, like in parts of Africa or in Quebec, people 'tutoyent' each other much more quickly than in Paris.

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At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using the verb 'tutoyer' in various tenses, including the passé composé and the future. You understand the social nuances much better. You know that 'le tutoiement' (the noun form) is a sign of 'camaraderie' or 'proximité'. You can discuss the rules of politeness in France and compare them with your own country. For example, you might say, 'Dans mon pays, nous n'avons pas de verbe comme tutoyer car nous utilisons le même mot pour tout le monde.' You are also learning the reflexive form 'se tutoyer' in the past tense: 'Nous nous sommes tutoyés tout de suite.' This shows a higher level of grammatical control. At B1, you are expected to navigate common social situations, like a workplace or a dinner party, and understand when it is appropriate to suggest 'le tutoiement'. You also begin to understand that 'tutoyer' can sometimes be used to assert power or to be intentionally disrespectful. For instance, if a person in authority 'tutoies' someone who is 'vouvoying' them, it highlights the difference in their status. You are starting to catch these subtle social cues in movies and books. You also know that 'tutoyer' is a regular -er verb, but you are careful with the spelling changes (y to i) in the present tense. This level is about moving from basic communication to understanding the social fabric of the French language.

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At the B2 level, you have a deep understanding of 'tutoyer' and the social dynamics it represents. You can use the verb and its noun form, 'le tutoiement', fluently in complex sentences. You are aware of the 'asymmetrical tutoiement'—where one person uses 'tu' and the other uses 'vous'—and you can discuss why this happens in certain contexts, like between a teacher and a student or an older person and a younger one. You can also use the verb in the conditional and subjunctive moods to express hypothetical situations or feelings. For example: 'Il serait préférable que nous nous tutoyions pour faciliter la communication.' You understand that 'tutoyer' is not just about being 'informal', but about a specific type of French 'politesse'. You can explain the evolution of 'le tutoiement' in modern society, such as its prevalence in startup culture or on social media. You are sensitive to the 'malaise' that can occur when someone uses 'tu' inappropriately. At this level, you should be able to argue for or against the use of 'le tutoiement' in professional settings. You also recognize idiomatic expressions or literary uses of the verb. Your mastery of this concept shows that you don't just know French words, but you understand the French 'esprit'. You are no longer just translating from English; you are operating within the French social framework, where every 'tu' and 'vous' carries a specific weight and meaning.

At the C1 level, your understanding of 'tutoyer' extends into the realms of history, literature, and sociology. You can discuss the historical origins of the T-V distinction (the 'tu-vous' distinction) and how it has changed since the Middle Ages. You might analyze how authors use the shift from 'vouvoyer' to 'tutoyer' to signal character development or shifts in power dynamics in a novel. You are comfortable using the noun 'le tutoiement' in academic or professional discussions. You can also handle more complex grammatical structures, such as using 'tutoyer' in the passive voice or within complex relative clauses. You understand the regional variations in 'le tutoiement' across the 'Francophonie'—from the very egalitarian 'tutoiement' in Quebec to the more traditional and hierarchical structures in some parts of France or Switzerland. You can pick up on the 'ironic tutoiement' or the 'aggressive tutoiement' used in political discourse or street confrontations. You are aware of the linguistic debates surrounding the 'simplification' of the language and whether 'le vouvoiement' is a disappearing tradition. At this level, you are not just a user of the language; you are an observer of its social functions. You can navigate any social situation in France with perfect 'savoir-faire', knowing exactly when to 'tutoyer' and when to maintain the 'vouvoiement' without ever having to think about the rules. Your use of 'tu' is a deliberate choice that reflects your intended relationship with the listener.

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At the C2 level, you possess a near-native intuition for the verb 'tutoyer' and the entire complex system of French address. You can appreciate the most subtle nuances, such as the 'tutoiement' used in prayer (addressing God as 'tu') versus the 'tutoiement' of a lover or a child. You can engage in high-level debates about the sociolinguistics of the French language and the psychological implications of 'le tutoiement' on human relationships. You might explore how the digital age and social media are forcing a 'tutoiement' by default and what that means for the traditional French sense of 'la vie privée' (private life). You can use the verb 'tutoyer' in sophisticated rhetorical ways, perhaps in a speech or a piece of creative writing, to evoke specific emotions or social atmospheres. You understand the 'unspoken rules' that vary from one Parisian 'arrondissement' to another, or from one social class to another. You can detect when a native speaker is using 'le tutoiement' as a subtle tool for exclusion or inclusion. Your mastery is such that you can even play with the rules—using 'tu' in a way that is technically 'wrong' but socially brilliant to achieve a specific effect. You are fully integrated into the 'non-dit' (the unsaid) of French culture, where the choice between 'tu' and 'vous' is an instinctive, multi-layered decision that happens in a fraction of a second. You have reached the point where the language is no longer a tool you use, but a part of your social identity.

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練習する例文メモとヒント

tutoyer 30秒で

Tutoyer is the French verb for using the informal 'tu' pronoun, signaling closeness or equality in a relationship.
It is the opposite of 'vouvoyer', which is the formal way of addressing someone using the pronoun 'vous'.
The transition to 'tutoyer' is a key social milestone in French culture, often requiring mutual consent or a specific invitation.
While common among youth and family, using 'tutoyer' inappropriately can be perceived as rude or overly familiar in formal settings.

The French verb tutoyer is a foundational concept in French sociolinguistics, representing the act of addressing someone using the informal pronoun tu instead of the formal vous. Unlike English, which has largely lost its distinction between formal and informal 'you' (the archaic 'thou' having disappeared from common usage), French maintains a strict social hierarchy and emotional distance through these pronouns. To tutoyer someone is to signal a level of proximity, friendship, or equality. It is not merely a grammatical choice; it is a social contract that defines the nature of a relationship. In modern France, the rules of le tutoiement are evolving, but the core principle remains: you generally begin with vouvoyer (using 'vous') and transition to tutoyer only when a certain level of comfort or mutual agreement is reached.

Social Context: In professional settings, le tutoiement is increasingly common in startups and creative industries, whereas traditional sectors like law or finance strictly adhere to le vouvoiement.

Depuis que nous sommes collègues, on peut se tutoyer, n'est-ce pas ?

The transition from vous to tu is often a significant milestone. It can be initiated by the elder person, the person in a higher position of authority, or simply by mutual consent in a social setting. If you are unsure, it is always safer to wait for the other person to suggest it. Using tu prematurely can be perceived as disrespectful, overly familiar, or even aggressive depending on the context. Conversely, continuing to use vous when the other person has requested to be tutoyé can create an awkward sense of distance or coldness. This verb captures the entire dance of French social etiquette.

Grammatical Structure: The verb is a regular -er verb, but it is frequently used in its pronominal form se tutoyer when the action is reciprocal between two or more people.

Mes parents m'ont appris à ne jamais tutoyer mes professeurs.

Historically, the distinction has shifted. In the 17th century, the rules were even more rigid. Today, young people tutoient each other almost instantly, even if they have just met. However, in a formal interview or when speaking to a shopkeeper or an elderly person, le vouvoiement remains the gold standard. Understanding tutoyer is about understanding the boundaries of French culture. It is about the balance between la politesse (politeness) and la fraternité (brotherhood). When you tutoies someone, you are essentially saying, "We are close enough that the formal barriers are no longer necessary."

Il est impoli de tutoyer un inconnu dans la rue sans raison.

Emotional Resonance: The act of tutoyer can be warm and welcoming, but if forced, it can feel invasive. It is a linguistic tool for emotional intimacy.

Pourquoi est-ce que tu me tutoies tout d'un coup ?

On se tutoie ? C'est plus simple pour travailler ensemble.

Using the verb tutoyer correctly requires an understanding of its transitive nature. You tutoies someone (direct object). It follows the standard conjugation patterns of first-group verbs ending in -er, though you must be careful with the 'y' which changes to 'i' before a silent 'e' in some styles, though tutoyer usually maintains the 'y' or accepts both (je tutoie/je tutoye). In common modern usage, 'i' is standard for the singular and third-person plural forms. Let us look at the practical application in various tenses and moods.

The Present Tense: Used to describe a current habit or a state of a relationship. For example, "Je tutoie mes cousins" means I am on familiar terms with them.

Est-ce que vous tutoyez votre patron au bureau ?

When you want to suggest that two people should start using 'tu', you use the reflexive form se tutoyer. This is perhaps the most frequent way you will encounter the word in conversation. "On se tutoie ?" is the standard, friendly invitation to drop formalities. It is a reciprocal action; if I tutoie you, you usually tutoies me back, unless there is a specific age or power gap where one-way tutoiement is accepted (like a teacher to a young student).

The Imperative Mood: Used to give a command or a strong suggestion. "Tutoie-moi !" is a direct way to tell someone to stop being so formal.

Ne me tutoie pas si nous ne nous connaissons pas encore bien.

In the future tense, it often describes an intention to become closer to someone. "Je finirai par le tutoyer" suggests that as the relationship progresses, the formality will eventually drop. In the conditional, it can express a hypothetical or a polite request: "Si nous étions amis, je te tutoierais." This demonstrates the conditional nature of the social bond.

Negation: Using ne... pas with tutoyer often sets a firm boundary. It indicates that the speaker wishes to maintain a professional or respectful distance.

Elle refuse de me tutoyer malgré mes nombreuses demandes.

On ne se tutoie pas encore, on vient juste de se rencontrer.

Il m'a tutoyé par erreur, pensant que j'étais son ami.

The word tutoyer is ubiquitous in French life because the choice between tu and vous is a daily decision. You will hear it in offices, at dinner parties, in schools, and even in political debates. It is a meta-linguistic word—a word used to talk about the language itself. When French people meet for the first time in a semi-formal setting, there is often a palpable moment of tension where both parties are waiting for the signal to tutoyer. You will hear it most often as a question or a clarification of the relationship status.

The Modern Workplace: In the 'startup nation' culture of modern France, le tutoiement is often the default. Bosses might say: "Ici, tout le monde se tutoie." (Here, everyone uses 'tu'.)

Dans cette entreprise, on se tutoie tous, du stagiaire au directeur.

In television interviews or podcasts, you might hear a host ask a guest: "Est-ce qu'on se tutoie pour l'interview ?" This is to establish a more intimate, conversational tone for the audience. Conversely, in very formal settings like a courtroom or a high-level diplomatic meeting, the word tutoyer might only be mentioned if someone breaks the rules of decorum. It is also a common topic of discussion among French learners and expats who struggle to navigate these social waters. You will hear people sharing anecdotes like, "I accidentally tutoyéd my mother-in-law!"

Family and Friends: While rare today, some very traditional aristocratic families in France still vouvoient their parents. In such contexts, the word tutoyer carries a weight of rebellion or extreme modernity.

Il est rare de voir des enfants qui ne tutoient pas leurs parents de nos jours.

In sports and hobby clubs, le tutoiement is almost instantaneous. If you join a local football club or a knitting circle, you will likely be tutoyé immediately. The word is used here to signify belonging to a community. If someone continues to use vous, it might be heard as a sign that they don't feel quite at home yet. Thus, the verb is a barometer for social integration.

Au club de sport, on se tutoie dès la première séance.

Pourquoi est-ce que tu continues à me vouvoyer ? On peut se tutoyer !

Education: Teachers tutoient their students, but students must vouvoyer their teachers. This asymmetrical use is a key part of the French school system.

Le professeur tutoie ses élèves, mais l'inverse n'est pas permis.

The most frequent mistakes regarding tutoyer are not grammatical, but social. However, there are several linguistic pitfalls that learners should avoid to ensure they are communicating clearly and correctly. Because tutoyer describes the act of using tu, learners sometimes confuse the verb with the pronoun itself. You do not "tu" someone; you tutoyes them. Furthermore, the conjugation of the verb itself, specifically the 'y' to 'i' transition, can be tricky.

The 'Y' vs 'I' Conjugation: Many learners write 'je tutoye' instead of 'je tutoie'. While some older texts allow the 'y', the modern standard is to change 'y' to 'i' before a silent 'e' (je tutoie, tu tutoies, il tutoie, ils tutoient).

Correct : Je tutoie mon frère. Incorrect : Je tutoyes mon frère.

Another common error is the inconsistent use of pronouns within a single conversation. If you have agreed to tutoyer someone, you must use the tu form for all related grammar: possessive adjectives (ton, ta, tes) and object pronouns (te, toi). Switching back to votre or vous mid-sentence after deciding to tutoyer creates confusion and sounds unnatural. This is often a result of 'muscle memory' from learning vous forms first.

Reflexive vs. Non-Reflexive: Learners often forget to use the reflexive se when talking about a mutual agreement. "On tutoie" means "one tutoyes (someone)", while "On se tutoie" means "We tutoye each other."

Nous nous tutoyons depuis que nous avons fait ce voyage ensemble.

Finally, don't assume that because someone tutoies you, you can automatically tutoyer them back. This is especially true with older people or people in positions of authority. They might tutoyer you to show kindness or because of the age gap, but they might still expect you to vouvoyer them as a sign of respect. This 'asymmetrical tutoiement' is a subtle trap for non-native speakers.

Attention : Ce n'est pas parce qu'il te tutoie que tu peux le tutoyer en retour.

Elle a fait l'erreur de tutoyer le juge pendant l'audience.

Spelling in Plural: In the 'nous' and 'vous' forms, the 'y' is mandatory: nous tutoyons, vous tutoyez. Using an 'i' here is a common spelling error.

Nous tutoyons nos voisins depuis des années.

While tutoyer is a very specific verb, understanding its opposite and other related terms helps round out your grasp of French social interaction. The most obvious counterpart is vouvoyer, but there are also more general or nuanced ways to describe how we address one another.

Tutoyer vs. Vouvoyer: These two verbs are the binary poles of French address. Vouvoyer is to use the formal 'vous'. You start with vouvoyer and hope to reach tutoyer.

On passe du vouvoiement au tutoiement quand on devient amis.

Another related term is s'adresser à (to address someone). This is a more neutral, general verb. You might say, "Il s'est adressé à moi avec beaucoup de respect," which doesn't specify if he used tu or vous, but implies the tone. Then there is interpeller, which means to call out to someone or address them, often in a more public or official capacity. If a police officer interpelle you, they will almost certainly vouvoyer you initially.

Dire 'tu': This is the simplest alternative. Instead of using the verb tutoyer, you can simply say "On se dit tu ?" It is slightly more informal and very common in spoken French.

C'est plus simple si on se dit tu.

In a more literary or formal context, you might encounter traiter de, which can sometimes be used if the choice of address is meant as an insult. For example, "Il l'a traité de 'tu'," implying that the use of tu was a deliberate sign of disrespect or condescension. Understanding these nuances allows you to see that tutoyer is not just a grammatical choice but a powerful social tool.

Comparison of Terms

Tutoyer: To use 'tu' (specific, social).
Vouvoyer: To use 'vous' (specific, formal).
S'adresser: To address (general).
Se dire tu: To say 'tu' to each other (casual alternative).

Je préfère qu'on se vouvoye dans un cadre professionnel.

Il m'a tutoyé sans même me demander mon avis.

How Formal Is It?

豆知識

During the French Revolution, 'le tutoiement' was briefly made mandatory to symbolize equality (fraternité) among citizens, and using 'vous' could actually get you in trouble as it was seen as aristocratic.

発音ガイド

UK /ty.twa.je/

US /tu.twa.je/

In French, the stress is generally even, but a slight emphasis is placed on the final syllable: tu-twa-YE.

韻が合う語

vouvoyer employer envoyer nettoyer noyer loyer foyer déployer

よくある間違い

Pronouncing the final 'r' (it is silent).
Making the 'u' sound like an 'oo' (it should be the tight French 'u').
Pronouncing 'oi' as 'oy' instead of 'wa'.
Forgetting to change the 'y' to 'i' sound in conjugated forms like 'tutoie'.
Over-emphasizing the first syllable.

難易度

読解 3/5

Easy to recognize in text once you know the word 'tu'.

ライティング 5/5

Tricky spelling changes (y to i) in some conjugations.

スピーキング 7/5

The social decision of when to use it is the hardest part for learners.

リスニング 4/5

Usually clear in context, especially in the reflexive 'se tutoyer'.

次に学ぶべきこと

前提知識

tu vous ami parler dire

次に学ぶ

vouvoyer politesse connaissance proche tutoiement

上級

sociolinguistique hiérarchie protocole familiarité distance sociale

知っておくべき文法

Y to I change in -oyer verbs

Je tutoie (not tutoye), but nous tutoyons.

Reflexive verbs in Passé Composé

Nous nous sommes tutoyés (use être).

Imperative with pronouns

Tutoie-moi ! (Hyphen and stress on moi).

Agreement of past participle with reflexive verbs

Elles se sont tutoyées (add 'es' for feminine plural).

Subjunctive after verbs of preference

Je voudrais que nous nous tutoyions.

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レベル別の例文

Est-ce que tu tutoies ton ami ?

Do you use 'tu' with your friend?

Present tense of 'tutoyer' for 'tu'.

Je tutoie mon frère.

I use 'tu' with my brother.

First person singular 'je tutoie'.

On peut se tutoyer ?

Can we use 'tu' with each other?

Reflexive form 'se tutoyer' with 'on'.

Ne me tutoie pas, s'il vous plaît.

Don't use 'tu' with me, please.

Imperative negative 'ne me tutoie pas'.

Elle tutoie tout le monde.

She uses 'tu' with everyone.

Third person singular 'elle tutoie'.

Pourquoi tu me tutoies ?

Why are you using 'tu' with me?

Question with 'pourquoi'.

Ici, on se tutoie.

Here, we use 'tu' with each other.

Reflexive 'se tutoie' indicating a general rule.

Tu dois tutoyer tes cousins.

You must use 'tu' with your cousins.

Infinitive 'tutoyer' after the modal verb 'dois'.

Nous nous tutoyons depuis l'école.

We have been using 'tu' with each other since school.

Reflexive 'nous nous tutoyons'.

Est-ce que vous tutoyez vos collègues ?

Do you use 'tu' with your colleagues?

Second person plural 'vous tutoyez'.

Il est plus facile de se tutoyer.

It is easier to use 'tu' with each other.

Infinitive reflexive 'se tutoyer'.

Ma mère ne tutoie pas ses voisins.

My mother doesn't use 'tu' with her neighbors.

Negative 'ne tutoie pas'.

On se tutoie ou on se vouvoie ?

Do we use 'tu' or 'vous' with each other?

Comparison between tutoyer and vouvoyer.

Je vais commencer à le tutoyer.

I am going to start using 'tu' with him.

Near future 'vais commencer à tutoyer'.

Ils se tutoient parce qu'ils sont amis.

They use 'tu' with each other because they are friends.

Reflexive plural 'ils se tutoient'.

Tutoie-moi, c'est plus sympa !

Use 'tu' with me, it's nicer!

Imperative affirmative with object pronoun.

Nous nous sommes tutoyés dès notre rencontre.

We used 'tu' with each other as soon as we met.

Passé composé of a reflexive verb.

Il m'a demandé si on pouvait se tutoyer.

He asked me if we could use 'tu' with each other.

Indirect speech with 'si'.

Je ne savais pas si je devais le tutoyer.

I didn't know if I should use 'tu' with him.

Imperfect tense 'savais' and 'devais'.

Dans cette entreprise, le tutoiement est obligatoire.

In this company, using 'tu' is mandatory.

Noun form 'le tutoiement'.

Elle a été surprise qu'il la tutoie.

She was surprised that he used 'tu' with her.

Subjunctive mood after 'surprise que'.

On se tutoie enfin après des mois de travail.

We are finally using 'tu' with each other after months of work.

Adverb 'enfin' adding nuance.

Il ne faut pas tutoyer les clients.

One must not use 'tu' with clients.

Impersonal 'il ne faut pas'.

Si on se tutoyait, ce serait moins formel.

If we used 'tu' with each other, it would be less formal.

Hypothetical 'si' clause with imperfect and conditional.

Le passage au tutoiement marque une étape importante.

The transition to using 'tu' marks an important stage.

Abstract noun usage 'le passage au tutoiement'.

Bien qu'il soit mon patron, il m'incite à le tutoyer.

Although he is my boss, he encourages me to use 'tu' with him.

Conjunction 'bien que' with subjunctive.

Je préférerais que nous nous tutoyions à l'avenir.

I would prefer that we use 'tu' with each other in the future.

Subjunctive present 'nous nous tutoyions'.

Elle se sent mal à l'aise quand des inconnus la tutoient.

She feels uncomfortable when strangers use 'tu' with her.

Plural present 'inconnus la tutoient'.

Le tutoiement systématique peut parfois paraître forcé.

Systematic use of 'tu' can sometimes seem forced.

Adjective 'systématique' modifying the noun.

Il a fini par me tutoyer sans que je m'en rende compte.

He ended up using 'tu' with me without me noticing.

Phrase 'sans que' with subjunctive.

Nous avons décidé de nous tutoyer pour briser la glace.

We decided to use 'tu' with each other to break the ice.

Infinitive phrase 'pour briser la glace'.

Il est impoli de tutoyer quelqu'un de beaucoup plus âgé.

It is rude to use 'tu' with someone much older.

Adjective 'impoli' followed by 'de' + infinitive.

Le tutoiement peut être perçu comme une marque de condescendance.

Using 'tu' can be perceived as a mark of condescension.

Passive voice 'peut être perçu'.

L'usage du tutoiement varie considérablement selon les régions francophones.

The use of 'tu' varies considerably across French-speaking regions.

Adverb 'considérablement' modifying the verb.

Il est fascinant d'observer comment le tutoiement s'est généralisé.

It is fascinating to observe how the use of 'tu' has become widespread.

Reflexive verb 's'est généralisé'.

Le romancier utilise le passage au tutoiement pour souligner l'intimité croissante.

The novelist uses the shift to 'tu' to highlight the growing intimacy.

Present tense used for literary analysis.

S'ils s'étaient tutoyés plus tôt, ils auraient évité ce malentendu.

If they had used 'tu' with each other earlier, they would have avoided this misunderstanding.

Third conditional (plus-que-parfait + conditionnel passé).

Le tutoiement de rigueur dans les milieux militants favorise la cohésion.

The mandatory use of 'tu' in activist circles promotes cohesion.

Noun phrase 'de rigueur'.

Elle récuse le tutoiement qu'elle juge trop familier pour la circonstance.

She rejects the use of 'tu', which she deems too familiar for the occasion.

Relative clause 'qu'elle juge'.

On ne saurait tutoyer un supérieur sans y être invité explicitement.

One cannot use 'tu' with a superior without being explicitly invited to do so.

Formal negative 'on ne saurait' (cannot).

L'ambivalence du tutoiement réside dans sa capacité à être à la fois tendre et insultant.

The ambivalence of using 'tu' lies in its capacity to be both tender and insulting.

Complex noun phrase 'L'ambivalence du tutoiement'.

Le tutoiement républicain, hérité de la Révolution, visait à abolir les privilèges.

Republican 'tutoiement', inherited from the Revolution, aimed to abolish privileges.

Historical context with past participle 'hérité'.

La subtilité du tutoiement en français échappe souvent aux non-natifs.

The subtlety of using 'tu' in French often escapes non-native speakers.

Subject-verb agreement with a complex subject.

Il s'agit d'un tutoiement de proximité qui n'exclut nullement le respect mutuel.

It is a 'tutoiement' of proximity that in no way excludes mutual respect.

Negative 'ne... nullement'.

Le passage au tutoiement fut le catalyseur de leur réconciliation.

The shift to using 'tu' was the catalyst for their reconciliation.

Passé simple 'fut'.

Le tutoiement peut s'avérer être un outil de manipulation sociale redoutable.

Using 'tu' can turn out to be a formidable tool of social manipulation.

Verb 's'avérer' + infinitive.

Elle manie le tutoiement avec une aisance qui dénote une parfaite intégration culturelle.

She handles the use of 'tu' with an ease that indicates perfect cultural integration.

Relative clause 'qui dénote'.

Le tutoiement divin dans la poésie mystique souligne l'union de l'âme avec le Créateur.

Divine 'tutoiement' in mystical poetry highlights the union of the soul with the Creator.

Specific religious/literary context.

よく使う組み合わせ

se tutoyer

le passage au tutoiement

proposer de se tutoyer

refuser de tutoyer

tutoyer d'emblée

commencer à tutoyer

tutoyer par erreur

s'autoriser à tutoyer

inviter à tutoyer

tutoiement réciproque

よく使うフレーズ

On se tutoie ?

— The standard, friendly way to ask if you can switch from 'vous' to 'tu'. It is very common in social settings.

On se connaît bien maintenant, on se tutoie ?

Tu peux me tutoyer.

— A direct invitation from one person to another to stop being formal. Usually said by the person with more authority or age.

Pas besoin de 'monsieur', tu peux me tutoyer.

Je préfère qu'on se tutoie.

— A slightly firmer but still friendly way to express a preference for informality.

Pour travailler ensemble, je préfère qu'on se tutoie.

On s'est tutoyés tout de suite.

— Used to describe a relationship that became informal and close immediately upon meeting.

Le courant est passé, on s'est tutoyés tout de suite.

Ici, tout le monde se tutoie.

— Explaining the culture of a place (like a startup or a club) where informality is the rule.

Bienvenue dans l'équipe ! Ici, tout le monde se tutoie.

Est-ce que je peux vous tutoyer ?

— A polite, slightly formal way to ask for permission to use 'tu'.

Comme nous allons être partenaires, est-ce que je peux vous tutoyer ?

Il m'a tutoyé sans me connaître.

— Expressing surprise or mild annoyance that someone used 'tu' without a previous relationship.

Ce vendeur était bizarre, il m'a tutoyé sans me connaître.

On ne se tutoie pas encore.

— Setting a boundary, indicating that the relationship is still formal.

Un peu de respect, on ne se tutoie pas encore !

Le tutoiement est de mise.

— A formal way to say that using 'tu' is the expected behavior in a certain context.

Dans cette association, le tutoiement est de mise.

Passer au tutoiement.

— The act of changing the mode of address from formal to informal.

Il est temps de passer au tutoiement, non ?

よく混同される語

tutoyer vs tousser

They sound slightly similar to beginners, but 'tousser' means to cough.

tutoyer vs tuer

The first syllable is the same, but 'tuer' means to kill. Be careful with pronunciation!

tutoyer vs tutelle

A legal term meaning guardianship, unrelated to the pronoun 'tu'.

慣用句と表現

"Être à tu et à toi avec quelqu'un"

— To be on very intimate or familiar terms with someone, often implying a long-standing friendship.

Ils sont à tu et à toi depuis qu'ils ont cinq ans.

informal

"Tutoyer les sommets"

— Literally 'to tutoyer the summits', meaning to reach a very high level of excellence or success.

Ce pianiste tutoie les sommets de son art.

literary

"Tutoyer la mort"

— To have a close brush with death; to be in a very dangerous situation.

Le cascadeur a tutoyé la mort lors de sa dernière scène.

journalistic

"Tutoyer les étoiles"

— To achieve something extraordinary or to be in a state of great happiness/success.

Avec ce nouveau contrat, sa carrière tutoie les étoiles.

poetic

"Un tutoiement de rigueur"

— A situation where using 'tu' is not just common but essentially required by the social environment.

Dans les manifs, c'est un tutoiement de rigueur.

neutral

"Le tutoiement facile"

— Describing someone who uses 'tu' very quickly with people they don't know well.

Il a le tutoiement facile, ce qui peut surprendre.

neutral

"Se tutoyer par-dessus la jambe"

— To use 'tu' in a very casual, almost disrespectful or nonchalant way.

Il me tutoie par-dessus la jambe, sans aucune considération.

informal

"Le tutoiement de mépris"

— Using 'tu' specifically to show lack of respect or to belittle someone.

L'agent a utilisé un tutoiement de mépris envers le suspect.

formal

"Tutoyer la perfection"

— To be very close to being perfect.

Sa performance de ce soir tutoie la perfection.

neutral

"Demander le tutoiement"

— To formally or semi-formally ask to switch to 'tu'.

Après trois verres, il a enfin osé demander le tutoiement.

neutral

間違えやすい

tutoyer vs vouvoyer

They are the two sides of the same coin.

Tutoyer is for 'tu' (informal), vouvoyer is for 'vous' (formal). Beginners often swap them by mistake.

On se tutoie ou on se vouvoie ?

tutoyer vs tuto

In modern slang, 'tuto' is short for 'tutoriel'.

A 'tuto' is a tutorial (like on YouTube), while 'tutoie' is a form of the verb 'tutoyer'.

J'ai regardé un tuto, puis j'ai tutoyé le prof.

tutoyer vs toi

Root of the word.

'Toi' is the stressed pronoun (you), while 'tutoyer' is the action of using the informal address.

C'est pour toi, donc je te tutoie.

tutoyer vs tutoiement

Verb vs. Noun.

'Tutoyer' is the action, 'le tutoiement' is the concept or the state.

Le tutoiement est agréable entre amis.

tutoyer vs tuteur

Similar root sound.

A 'tuteur' is a tutor or a garden stake, nothing to do with pronouns.

Mon tuteur me tutoie.

文型パターン

Je tutoie [person].

Je tutoie ma sœur.

On peut se tutoyer ?

On se connaît bien, on peut se tutoyer ?

Il m'a proposé de le tutoyer.

Mon nouveau voisin m'a proposé de le tutoyer.

Nous nous sommes tutoyés dès le début.

À la fête, nous nous sommes tutoyés dès le début.

Bien qu'il me tutoie, je continue à le vouvoyer.

Bien qu'il me tutoie, je continue à le vouvoyer par respect.

C'est un tutoiement qui dénote une certaine arrogance.

Son tutoiement envers le serveur dénote une certaine arrogance.

Je ne sais pas si je dois tutoyer [person].

Je ne sais pas si je dois tutoyer mon beau-père.

Tutoie-moi !

Ne sois pas si formel, tutoie-moi !

語族

名詞

le tutoiement (the act of using 'tu')

動詞

tutoyer (to use 'tu')

se tutoyer (to use 'tu' with each other)

形容詞

tutoyé (addressed as 'tu')

tutoyeur (someone who easily uses 'tu')

使い方

frequency

Extremely high in daily life, though the verb itself is used mainly when discussing social boundaries.

よくある間違い

Je tutoye mon ami. → Je tutoie mon ami.
In the present tense, verbs ending in -oyer change 'y' to 'i' before a silent 'e'.
On peut tutoyer ? → On peut se tutoyer ?
To express a mutual agreement to use 'tu', you must use the reflexive form 'se tutoyer'.
Tutoyer a stranger in a formal shop. → Vouvoyer the shopkeeper.
French social rules require 'vous' for service staff and strangers unless they are your age or younger.
Nous avons tutoyé hier. → Nous nous sommes tutoyés hier.
Reflexive verbs in the past tense require 'être' as the auxiliary verb.
Using 'votre' after deciding to tutoyer. → Using 'ton/ta/tes'.
Once you tutoyer someone, all related grammar must switch to the informal forms.

ヒント

When in doubt, use 'vous'

It is much better to be seen as 'too formal' than to be seen as 'disrespectful'. Wait for the other person to invite you to tutoyer.

Watch the 'y' and 'i'

In the present tense, the 'y' becomes 'i' for all singular forms and the 3rd person plural. This is a classic test of your French spelling skills.

Respect the Age Gap

Never tutoyer someone much older than you unless they explicitly ask you to multiple times. Even then, some older French people find it hard to drop the 'vous'.

Startup Culture

If you join a young French company and everyone is tutoy-ing each other, don't be the only one using 'vous'. It might make you look like you aren't a team player.

The 'T' is for 'Two'

Associate the 'T' in 'Tutoyer' with 'Two friends'. The 'V' in 'Vouvoyer' is for 'Very far apart'. This helps you remember which is which.

Listen for the 'Se'

When people propose the change, they almost always use the reflexive 'On se tutoie ?'. If you hear 'se', they are talking about the relationship between you.

Email Etiquette

Always start an email with 'vous'. If they reply using 'tu' or sign off with their first name, you can consider asking to tutoyer in the next message.

Quebec is different

If you go to Montreal, prepare to be tutoyéd immediately. Don't take it as a lack of respect; it's just their way of being friendly!

Reflexive Passé Composé

Remember: 'Nous nous sommes tutoyés'. Don't forget the second 'nous' and the 's' at the end of the past participle.

The 'Tu' invitation

If someone says 'On peut se dire tu ?', they are giving you a gift of friendship. Accept it with a 'Oui, avec plaisir !'.

暗記しよう

記憶術

Think of 'Two-To-Yeah'. Imagine 'Two' people saying 'To' each other 'Yeah' (as in, yeah, we're friends!). Two-To-Yeah = Tutoyer.

視覚的連想

Imagine two people standing very close together, holding a giant letter 'T'. They are smiling and relaxed, unlike two people far apart holding a giant 'V'.

Word Web

tu toi ami famille informel proximité vouvoyer respect

チャレンジ

Try to identify three people in your life you would 'vouvoyer' and three you would 'tutoyer'. Write a sentence for each using the verb.

語源

The verb 'tutoyer' is formed from the pronouns 'tu' and 'toi'. It appeared in the French language in the 16th century, derived from the practice of repeating these pronouns to address someone.

元の意味： To address someone as 'tu' and 'toi'.

Romance (French), derived from Latin 'tu' and 'te'.

文化的な背景

Be careful: tutoyer a police officer or a judge in France is considered a 'disrespect' and can lead to legal complications. Always default to 'vouvoyer' in official situations.

English speakers often find 'tutoyer' difficult because English uses 'you' for everyone. The closest equivalent is 'being on a first-name basis'.

The French Revolution's 'Décret sur le tutoiement'. The song 'Le Tutoiement' by various French artists exploring social distance. The famous scene in 'Le Prénom' where social formalities are discussed.

実生活で練習する

実際の使用場面

Workplace

On se tutoie ici ?
Je tutoie mon manager.
Le tutoiement est la règle.
On peut passer au tutoiement ?

Meeting new people

On se tutoie, non ?
Ça vous dérange si on se tutoie ?
On peut se dire tu ?
Je préfère le tutoiement.

Family/Friends

On s'est toujours tutoyés.
Je tutoie mes beaux-parents.
Tutoie ton cousin !
On se tutoie entre nous.

Formal conflict

Pourquoi me tutoyez-vous ?
Je ne vous permets pas de me tutoyer.
Restons-en au vouvoiement.
On ne se tutoie pas !

Learning French

Quand dois-je tutoyer ?
C'est dur de savoir qui tutoyer.
Le tutoiement est complexe.
J'ai peur de tutoyer par erreur.

会話のきっかけ

"Est-ce que tu penses qu'on devrait se tutoyer maintenant ?"

"Dans ton pays, est-ce qu'il y a une règle comme le tutoiement ?"

"Est-ce que tu tutoies tes parents ou est-ce que tu les vouvoies ?"

"À quel moment décides-tu de tutoyer une nouvelle connaissance ?"

"Est-ce que tu trouves le tutoiement plus amical que le vouvoiement ?"

日記のテーマ

Décrivez une situation où vous avez hésité entre tutoyer et vouvoyer quelqu'un.

Que pensez-vous du tutoiement systématique dans les entreprises modernes ?

Racontez une fois où quelqu'un vous a tutoyé de manière inappropriée.

Le tutoiement est-il, selon vous, une marque de manque de respect ou de proximité ?

Comment la règle du tutoiement a-t-elle évolué dans votre propre apprentissage du français ?

よくある質問

10 問

It depends entirely on the company culture. In startups, yes, it is often expected. In traditional firms, wait for them to suggest it. If they say 'On peut se tutoyer', then go ahead. Otherwise, stick to 'vous'.

Generally, no. It can be seen as aggressive or uneducated. Use 'vous' for anyone you don't know, especially if they are older than you. The exception is if you are both very young (teenagers).

This is a tricky social situation. You can continue to 'vouvoyer' them to maintain distance. They will eventually get the hint that you prefer a professional relationship.

In France, almost never. Teachers tutoyer the children, but the children must vouvoyer the teacher. It's a sign of respect and authority in the classroom.

No, Quebec is much more relaxed. You will often be tutoyéd by shopkeepers or people you just met. It's a sign of their more egalitarian and friendly social culture.

The most natural way is to ask 'On peut se tutoyer ?' or 'Ça vous dérange si on se tutoie ?'. Most people will happily agree if the relationship is friendly.

It's when one person uses 'tu' and the other uses 'vous'. This happens between adults and children, or sometimes between a boss and an employee in very traditional settings.

Only before a silent 'e'. So: je tutoie, tu tutoies, il tutoie, ils tutoient. But: nous tutoyons, vous tutoyez. The 'y' stays in the future and conditional: je tutoierai or je tutoyerai (both are accepted, but 'i' is more common).

Because 'vous' was associated with the aristocracy and social hierarchy. The revolutionaries wanted everyone to be 'citoyens' (citizens) and equal, so they enforced 'tu' for everyone.

Yes, if used deliberately to show a lack of respect to someone who deserves 'le vouvoiement', like an elderly person or an official. It's called 'le tutoiement de mépris'.

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