https://www.proz.com/forum/spanish/356401-%22t%C3%BA%22_and_%22usted%22_in_spanish_translation.html
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Forums non-anglophones » Spanish »
"Tú" and "Usted" in Spanish translation
Auteur du fil: Natalia Pedrosa
Natalia Pedrosa
Natalia Pedrosa
Espagne
Local time: 04:52
Membre (2012)
anglais vers espagnol
+ ...
Mar 1, 2022

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


Jose Herrera
Sarah Rodríguez Vasconcelos
 
claudia bagnardi
claudia bagnardi  Identity Verified
Local time: 23:52
anglais vers espagnol
+ ...
Hi Natalia, Mar 1, 2022

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

Angie Garbarino
Walter Landesman
Jose Herrera
Alex Ossa
Ester Vidal
Anastasia GZ Ibarguen
 
Alex Ossa
Alex Ossa  Identity Verified
Chili
Local time: 22:52
Membre (2017)
espagnol vers anglais
+ ...
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'.

Walter Landesman
Beatriz Ramírez de Haro
Pedro Zimmer
 
Fabio Descalzi
Fabio Descalzi  Identity Verified
Uruguay
Local time: 23:52
Membre (2004)
allemand vers espagnol
+ ...
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".

Pedro Zimmer
Sarah Rodríguez Vasconcelos
 
Natalia Pedrosa
Natalia Pedrosa
Espagne
Local time: 04:52
Membre (2012)
anglais vers espagnol
+ ...
AUTEUR DU FIL
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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