"Tú" and "Usted" in Spanish translation Thread poster: Natalia Pedrosa
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Natalia Pedrosa
Spain
Local time: 02:16
Member (2012)
English to Spanish
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Hello everyone,
First, this is an addressed to English to Spanish translators.
I'm facing a new translation challenge.
I've been asked to translate a website, and there are two sections, the IT one, about passwords, orders, etc, and then the retail section.
My doubt is the following: the IT section in Spanish usually uses the informal tone "tú", and the retail section as it where uses the "usted". This is my question: Can both "tú" and "usted" be used on the same... See more Hello everyone,
First, this is an addressed to English to Spanish translators.
I'm facing a new translation challenge.
I've been asked to translate a website, and there are two sections, the IT one, about passwords, orders, etc, and then the retail section.
My doubt is the following: the IT section in Spanish usually uses the informal tone "tú", and the retail section as it where uses the "usted". This is my question: Can both "tú" and "usted" be used on the same website?
I would appreciate any feedback.
Regards,
Natalia ▲ Collapse
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IMHO, for consistency purposes, I would stick to the same one. Either "tú" or "usted", depending on the website's target.
Let's see other suggestions.
Have a good day.
Claudia
| | | | Alex Ossa 
Chile
Local time: 20:16
Member (2017)
Spanish to English
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| Consistency/brand identity/location of company | Mar 1, 2022 |
100% gree with Claudia re consistency.
As to which one to use will depend on the kind of relationship the company fosters with its customers (distant/respectful or close/friendly) ie, brand identity. It will also depend on where the company is from and what the socially acceptable use of 'tu/ud' is there. In some countries it's just plain rude to use 'tu', whereas in other countries it can be seen as excessively formal to use 'ud'.
| | | | Fabio Descalzi
Uruguay
Local time: 21:16
Member (2004)
German to Spanish
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| Be generous with "tú", be duly careful with "usted" | Mar 2, 2022 |
Both Claudia and Natalia are right.
If I may tell you about a recent experience: I know a big Spanish-language website which has different (but clear) policies for "tú" and "usted". All the sections that somehow appeal to the visitor/user/client use "tú". But legalese and other related sections use strictly "usted".
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Natalia Pedrosa
Spain
Local time: 02:16
Member (2012)
English to Spanish
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TOPIC STARTER | I think I'll use bo th | Mar 2, 2022 |
Hello there,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
I think consistency is paramount, but IT sections use "tú" throughout the internet. On the other hand, the public addressed are companies and particulars, so "usted" is the one that fits best.
Good day to all of you!
Natalia
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