English

you

gb/jˈu/ us/jˈu/
A1 English
~ 100
Senses
0 senses
pronoun A1 relation
1

person spoken to

The word you use when talking to the person or people you are speaking to.

Usage pattern: [You] + [verb]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'you' with 'your', which shows possession.
Synonyms
yourself (Reflexive form used when the subject and object are the same person.)
Antonyms
I (Refers to the speaker, not the person being spoken to.)
Collocations
you are |you have |you know |thank you |are you
Themes
daily life |communication |core_vocabulary
Examples
  • You look happy today.
  • Can you help me with this?
  • I saw you at the store yesterday.
  • You should try this cake.
  • Are you coming to the meeting?
Learner examples
  • You are my friend.
  • Can you open the door?
  • I like you.
  • You have a red car.
  • Are you tired?
Grammar
Dictionary form
you
IPA
GB/jˈu/
US/jˈu/
Syllables & stress
you (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (you)
Word forms
Noun
  • Base: you
  • Plural: yous
Word family
Forms
yous noun
Core family
your determiner A1 yours pronoun A1 yourself pronoun A2
Expressions

you bet

1
/jˈu bˈɛt/
fixed phrase informal

express strong agreement

Used to say 'certainly' or 'of course'.

Examples
  • "Can I borrow your pen?" "You bet."
  • "Will you be there?" "You bet I will."

you know

1
/jˈu nˈoʊ/
fixed phrase informal

check listener's understanding

Used when you want to be sure the other person understands what you mean, or as a pause while thinking.

Examples
  • It was really hard, you know, to make that choice.
  • He's a nice guy, you know?
  • You should try it, you know, before saying no.

thank you

1
/θˈæŋk jˈu/
fixed phrase

Polite expression of thanks

Used to tell someone you are happy about what they did or gave you.

Examples
  • Thank you for helping me with my homework.
  • "Here’s your coffee." — "Thank you."

thank you

2
/θˈæŋk jˈu/
fixed phrase

express gratitude

Used to tell someone you are grateful for something they have done.

Examples
  • Thank you for your help.
  • Thank you so much for the gift.

you never know

1
/jˈu nˈɛvɚ nˈoʊ/
fixed phrase

express uncertainty about events

Used to say that something is possible, even if it seems unlikely.

Examples
  • We might win — you never know.
  • You never know what could happen.

you never know

2
/jˈu nˈɛvɚ nˈoʊ/
fixed phrase

Anything can happen; uncertain future

Used to say something might happen, even if it seems unlikely.

Examples
  • Take your camera—you never know what you might see.
  • We might get lucky—you never know.

see you later

1
/sˈi jˈu lˈeɪtɚ/
fixed phrase

Goodbye until later time

A friendly way to say goodbye when you will meet again soon.

Examples
  • I have to go now. See you later!
  • See you later! I'm off to class.
  • See you later, Tom! Have a good day.
  • I’ll see you later at the party.

see you later

2
/sˈi jˈu lˈeɪtɚ/
fixed phrase informal

say goodbye until later

Used when saying goodbye, meaning you will see the person again soon.

Examples
  • Bye! See you later.
  • See you later at the party.

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