When unsure, choose మీరు + -ండి. Telugu speakers rarely feel offended by extra respect, but they may notice if you are too casual too soon.

Think of -ండి as the Telugu “please button.” If the sentence is a command and the person deserves respect, press the -ండి button: రా → రండి, చెప్పు → చెప్పండి.

Telugu society often shows respect through language, especially toward elders, teachers, guests, in-laws, priests, officials, and customers. గారు can be added after names or roles, such as రమేష్ గారు or డాక్టర్ గారు. In Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, respectful language is also used in daily service interactions, not just formal ceremonies. Politeness makes speech sound warm, not stiff.

Using నువ్వు with strangers. Saying రా to elders or teachers. Adding గారు to your own name. Overusing సార్ గారు repeatedly in one sentence. Forgetting polite endings in requests.