Formal vs Informal Register

One of the most important distinctions in Italian is the difference between formal and informal language. Getting this right signals social awareness and respect. Getting it wrong can cause awkwardness or even offence. This lesson explores the tu/Lei distinction in depth, formal writing conventions, and the basics of business Italian.

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Tu vs Lei: The Fundamentals

Italian has two main ways to say "you" to a single person:

Pronoun	Register	Used With
Tu	Informal	Friends, family, children, peers, colleagues you know well
Lei	Formal	Strangers, elders, professionals, officials, in business settings

Key Point: "Lei" (formal you) uses third-person singular verb forms. This is the single most important grammar rule for formal Italian.

Comparing Tu and Lei