Hi. In everyday usage we use the word "people". The terms "persons" is used: - in very formal language - in legal language - in technical language etc., and is generally more clinical sounding. Examples of the above would include, legal contracts, government correspondence, scientific articles, signage, and anything 'official' or authoritarian. The idea is, that by using the word 'persons' we are specifying or emphasizing a specific number, and the actual number is very important or is to be "respected". For example, a sign on an elevator might read: "Maximum capacity: 12 persons." A car manual might state: "This vehicle is deigned to carry 4 persons." A sign on an office door might read: "Bureau of Missing Persons". A government tax form or census form might ask you to fill in the "number of persons living in the household". Once again, "persons" is used in formal, official, legal, and technical situations (mostly written). "People" is used in normal everyday situations (written and spoken). For more information, you can search Google for: people vs persons people versus persons I hope this helps.