tu
you
Pronome usato per rivolgersi direttamente a una sola persona con cui si ha confidenza o amicizia.
Definition & meaning
Tu means “you” when addressing one person informally. It is used with friends, family, children, and people with whom the speaker has a familiar relationship.
It can also refer to the informal way of addressing someone, as in the expression “to use tu with someone.”
Grammar & Word origin
Tu is the second-person singular subject pronoun. Italian often leaves subject pronouns out because the verb ending makes the subject clear, so tu is used especially for emphasis or contrast.
It comes from Latin tū, meaning “you.”
Synonyms & antonyms
There is no exact synonym or antonym for tu. The choice of pronoun depends on the number of people addressed and the level of formality:
- Lei is the formal singular form of address.
- Voi addresses multiple people and, in some contexts, may also be used formally.
Common phrases & collocations
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Examples
Tu hai scritto una lettera ieri.pronoun
You wrote a letter yesterday.
Tu dormi bene di notte.pronoun
You sleep well at night.
Tu parli piano con il maestro.pronoun
You speak slowly with the teacher.
Tu bevi il latte caldo.pronoun
You drink hot milk.
Tu vieni con noi domani?pronoun
Are you coming with us tomorrow?
Tu sei molto gentile oggi.pronoun
You are very kind today.
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