Formal:
* Usted (Ud.) - This is the formal "you" and is used when addressing someone you don't know well, someone older than you, or in a professional setting.
Informal:
* Tú - This is the informal "you" and is used when talking to friends, family, or people you know well.
Choosing the right pronoun:
* Age: If your classmate is significantly older than you, it's best to use "Usted."
* Relationship: If you have a close relationship with your classmate, you can use "Tú." However, it's always a good idea to err on the side of formality, especially at the beginning of a school year.
* Context: If you are talking to your classmates in a class setting, it's usually best to use "Usted" unless your teacher encourages informality.
Example:
* "Usted está en la clase de español, ¿verdad?" (Formal: Are you in the Spanish class, right?)
* "Tú estás en la clase de español, ¿verdad?" (Informal: You are in the Spanish class, right?)
Important Note: In some Latin American countries, the informal "vos" is used instead of "tú." However, "tú" is the most common and widely understood form of informal "you" in Spanish.