RoR: Forum

Rebirth of Reason

Monday, November 26, 2007 - 8:47am

Also note the use of the familiar form of the second person singular ("tu" insted of "usted"). In this context, it indicates the king is talking down to Chavez (I am assuming they are not close personal friends, and that the king normally uses "usted" in formal settings; I am not an expert on either of those facts).

Monday, November 26, 2007 - 8:01pm

I am not sure about the protocol with kings. Since the familiar form may be used with subordinates, and royalty presumably outranks rabble-rousing demagogues, his use of tu might not necessarily be insulting - but it sure isn't evidence of respect.