vouvoyer
to address someone as 'vous' (formal you)
Intermediate Verb
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Pronunciation
/vu.vwa.je/
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Cultural Note
Vouvoiement is the default in French society when meeting someone new, speaking to elders, authority figures, or in professional settings. Some couples in long marriages still vouvoyer each other as a sign of enduring respect, particularly in upper-class families.
📝 Example Sentences
Je préfère qu'on me vouvoie au travail.
I prefer to be addressed as 'vous' at work.
Il faut vouvoyer les personnes âgées.
You should address elderly people as 'vous'.