Hindi/Honorifics

Hindi speakers use three different pronouns for "you" ( tu, tum, and aap), and which one people use depend on the level of intimacy or context. "Tu" is the most intimate, only used to refer to another person whom one is most familiar with, like a husband, as well as to children. However, when used in inappropriate situations, "tu" can sound offensive and insulting even. "Tum" is more respectful. "Aap" implies the highest level of respect and Hindi speakers use "aap" when talking to their parents, elders, authorities, or superiors. Each of these "you"-pronouns has their own be-verbs. "Hai" comes with "tu," "ho" with "tum," and "hain" with "aap." Note that in English, in the context of the second person, all of these be-verbs are translatable to "are" as in "you are." But "hai" in other situations can be translated to "is" and "hain" to "are."