Social registers are simply different ways to talk to different people. For example, we all have to talk to people we don't know very well: on the phone, at work, in a store. In these situations itÆs best to be formal. Spanish has two pronouns that both mean you. One is formal and one is informal. Here are some things you need to know to be able to speak formally in Spanish:

usted = you (formal)

Señor = Mr.

Señora = Mrs./Ms.

Señorita = Miss

┐Cómo está usted? = How are you? (formal)

Bien, gracias. ┐Y usted? = IÆm fine. And you? (formal)

When you talk to friends, family members, or children, you can usually be informal. That means you can speak more casually with each other. Here are some things you need in order to speak informally in Spanish:

tú = you (informal)

┐Cómo estás? = How are you? (informal)

Bien. = All right. (informal)

The Spanish will usually tell you itÆs ok to be informal with them by using the following phrase:

When a Spanish person says this to you, it means that you no longer have to be formal when talking to each other, and can also use each otherÆs first names.