Tu or Você
Which should one use with those working in shops or restaurants?
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@deboragmgreen You should use the implied você by default. Some establishments will have an intentionally very casual atmosphere and in those cases, you might consider using tu - the workers will probably set the tone for that if they don’t feel like there’s a significant age gap between you that would still warrant using você.
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I almost always use você until I get to know the person. Also, in Castelo Branco where I live, older people tend to be formal. I always call my neighbor Dona Maria, and she calls me Dona Barbara. I am old, so she and I are about the same age. I’ve noticed that Portuguese people, at least where I live, don’t feel shy about asking how old you are.
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