Social Etiquette: Tu vs. Você

Portuguese is formal. Never address a stranger, an older person, or a service worker as "Tu" (You). This is reserved for close friends and children. Instead, use "Você" implied by the verb conjugation, or address them as "O senhor / A senhora".

Using "Tu" too early can be seen as disrespectful or uneducated. When in doubt, stick to the formal third person until the other person explicitly says "Podes tratar-me por tu" (You can treat me as 'tu').