Common verbs that change with Lei vs tu
In Italian, the common verbs that change with “Lei” (formal you) versus “tu” (informal you) differ mainly in their conjugation forms, even though both are singular second person. “Tu” uses the second person singular conjugation, while “Lei” uses the third person singular conjugation but still means “you” in a formal context.
Key Differences in Verb Forms
- For “tu,” the verb agrees with the second person singular, e.g., “tu parli” (you speak), “tu vuoi” (you want), “tu apri” (you open).
- For “Lei,” the verb takes the third person singular form, e.g., “Lei parla” (you speak, formal), “Lei vuole” (you want, formal), “Lei apra” (you open, formal command).
Examples with Common Verbs
| Verb (Infinitive) | Tu form (informal) | Lei form (formal) |
|---|---|---|
| parlare (to speak) | tu parli | Lei parla |
| volere (to want) | tu vuoi | Lei vuole |
| aprire (to open) | tu apri | Lei apra |
| capire (to understand) | tu capisci | Lei capisce |
| finire (to finish) | tu finisci | Lei finisce |
| preferire (to prefer) | tu preferisci | Lei preferisce |
Command Forms
- Informal command (tu): uses the present indicative second person form (e.g., “Apri la finestra” – Open the window).
- Formal command (Lei): uses the third person singular present subjunctive form (e.g., “Apra la finestra” – Please open the window).
The verb stem remains the same, but the endings and mood can differ to reflect the level of formality between “tu” and “Lei” usage in everyday conversation and commands. 3, 5, 7
This distinction is important because “Lei” is not just the feminine pronoun “she” but also a polite/formal form of “you” that affects verb conjugation accordingly. In practice, using “Lei” signals respect or formality, often when addressing strangers, elders, or in professional contexts.