Dans la chambre des filles : masque et bêtises

What does “tu abuses” mean in French?

In tu abuses, it is not about abuse. It means going too far, overstepping what is reasonable: tu abuses is what you say to someone who took the last slice, borrowed your charger again, or smeared a face mask up the wall. It pairs with tu exagères, which says much the same thing in a slightly more neutral register.

Add an object and the verb changes shape. Abuser de quelque chose is to overdo or take advantage of it — abuser de sa gentillesse is “to take advantage of his kindness,” and sans abuser is “in moderation.” The English sense does exist in French, but it needs that de or a clear context to show up.