A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "And you" in Italian
The Italian phrase 'e tu?' is the casual way to ask 'and you?' back to someone.
e tu?
eh TOOcasual
Italian TTS · 0:01
Use this immediately after someone asks you a question like 'Come stai?' (How are you?) or 'Di dove sei?' (Where are you from?). It's your turn to ask them the same thing.
Alternatives
- e Lei?Use this when you need to be formal, addressing someone with 'Lei'.
- e voi?Use this when addressing a group of people.
Ways to get it wrong
Don't say 'e tu' with strangers
Using 'tu' and 'e tu?' with someone you don't know well is too informal and can be seen as impolite.
Pronounce the 'e' clearly
The 'e' is a distinct sound, not a swallowed 'uh' sound like in some English words.
A small cultural note
Returning the question is a standard part of polite conversation in Italy, showing you're engaged and interested.
Frequently asked
When do I use 'e tu' vs 'e Lei'?
Use 'e tu' when you've been addressed with 'tu' or are speaking casually. Use 'e Lei' when the other person used 'Lei' or the situation calls for formality.
What if they ask me 'Come va?'
You can still respond with 'Bene, e tu?' (Good, and you?). It's a natural way to keep the conversation flowing.
Is 'e tu' always casual?
Yes, 'e tu' is inherently tied to the informal 'tu' form. For formal situations, you'd use 'e Lei?'.
How do you formally say "and you" in Italian?
To formally say "and you" in Italian, you use "e Lei?" This is used when addressing someone you don't know well or someone older or in a position of authority.
How do you informally say "and you" in Italian?
Informally, you can say "e tu?" This is used with friends, family, or people your own age.
When to use "voi" vs "tu" in Italian?
You use "tu" when addressing one person informally, while "voi" is used to address multiple people informally or, in some regions, one person formally.
How to say "and you" in Italian slang?
Slang for "and you" can vary by region, but common informal options like "e tu?" are widely understood and used.
