Cool MateThat's what you are vs That's who you are
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
That's what you are
Top 2,000 (common)
That's who you are
Top 2,000 (common)
| That's what you are | That's who you are | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ðæts wɒt jʊ ɑː//🇺🇸 //ðæts wɑt jʊ ɑr// | 🇬🇧 //ðæts huː jʊ ɑː//🇺🇸 //ðæts huː jʊ ɑːr// |
| Meaning | This means you are that kind of person. | This is your true self. |
| Example | After your prank, I can't deny it; that's what you are. | After all the struggles, I told him, 'That's who you are'. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | that's your role, that's your nature, that's what people say | believe that's who you are, realize that's who you are, show that's who you are |
| Common mistakes | Taking it too literally instead of figuratively., Using it in overly formal situations., Misunderstanding the tone - can imply sarcasm. | Using it sarcastically when it should be sincere., Confusing it with 'That's who you're supposed to be'., Using it in formal settings instead of more appropriate phrases. |
| Usage notes | Use this phrase when confirming someone's identity or behavior. It's typically informal and can sometimes imply criticism or affirmation. | Used to emphasize someone's identity or essence. It can be affirming or confrontational depending on tone and context. |
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Frequently asked questions: That's what you are vs That's who you are
What's the difference between That's what you are and That's who you are?
That's what you are: This means you are that kind of person. That's who you are: This is your true self.
Can you show an example of each?
That's what you are: After your prank, I can't deny it; that's what you are. That's who you are: After all the struggles, I told him, 'That's who you are'.
Can I use That's what you are and That's who you are interchangeably?
Not always. That's what you are and That's who you are are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.