dare del tu
Lemma: dare del tu
Translation: to address someone informally; to use the informal 'you' with someone; to be on familiar terms with someone (phrase)
Etymology: This Italian phrase combines 'dare' (to give) with 'del tu' (the informal second-person singular pronoun 'tu'). It literally means 'to give the tu' to someone, which refers to the practice of using the informal second-person pronoun 'tu' instead of the formal 'Lei' when addressing someone. This reflects the T-V distinction (tu-voi/Lei distinction) common in many European languages but absent in modern English, which only has 'you' for both formal and informal address.
Example Usage
Dopo anni di collaborazione, abbiamo deciso di darci del tu.
After years of collaboration, we decided to address each other informally.
In Italia, di solito non si dà del tu al professore.
In Italy, you usually don't address a professor informally.
Possiamo darci del tu? Mi sento a disagio con tanta formalità.
Can we address each other informally? I feel uncomfortable with so much formality.
Mi ha dato del tu senza che glielo permettessi.
He addressed me informally without my permission.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'dare' as 'giving' someone permission to be familiar with you
- Imagine 'tu' as being 'two' close friends who can speak informally to each other
- Picture 'dare del tu' as opening a door ('dare' = give) to a more intimate conversation space
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Italian culture, the transition from formal to informal address is significant and often marks a change in relationship status. Italians typically use formal address (Lei) with strangers, authorities, older people, and in professional contexts. Switching to informal address (tu) usually indicates friendship, familiarity, or closeness. Asking 'Possiamo darci del tu?' (Can we address each other informally?) is a common way to propose a more familiar relationship. In some regions, particularly in the south, 'voi' may be used as a formal address instead of 'Lei'.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'dare del tu' means to address someone informally using 'tu', 'dare del Lei' means the opposite - to address someone formally using 'Lei'.
Notes: The choice between 'tu' and 'Lei' reflects social dynamics, hierarchy, age differences, and relationship closeness in Italian culture.
Mnemonic: Tu = two close friends; Lei = lady (formal respect)
Explanation: While 'dare del tu' uses the informal singular 'tu', 'dare del voi' uses 'voi' (you plural) as a formal address, which is common in some southern Italian regions.
Notes: The use of 'voi' as formal address is less common in standard Italian but remains in regional dialects and historical contexts.
Mnemonic: Tu = one person, familiar; Voi = more than one (or one important person)