T–V distinction

The T–V distinction refers to the use of different forms of address in various languages to convey levels of formality, familiarity, or social hierarchy between speakers. The distinction is named after the Latin words "tu" (informal "you") and "vous" (formal "you"). In many languages, including French, German, Spanish, and Russian, there are distinct pronouns or forms of address that indicate whether the relationship between speakers is formal or informal.