Imperative

1 Formation

The root of the imperative is the infinitive without the ending -ar, -er or -ir.

First conjugation Second conjugation Third conjugation
-a -e -e
Él, usted -e -a -a
Nosotros -emos -amos -amos
Vosotros -ad -ed -id
Ellos, ustedes -en -an -an

Examples

First conjugation Second conjugation Third conjugation
mira teje vive
Él, usted peine beba exista
Nosotros cavemos creamos partamos
Vosotros sacad meted admitid
Ellos, ustedes tapen coman batan

When addressing people as , pronouns and vosotros are used. When addressing to people as usted subjunctive tenses are used, corresponding to pronouns usted and ustedes. The third persons (plural and singular) also are taken from the present subjunctive to give to job of telling someone else to do something. If the speaker is involved in the action of the imperative, the first person of the plural is used, also from present subjunctive.

2 Uses

The imperative is used to express:

  • Commands and instructions.

¡Cállate!

Dame la caja de galletas.

Levanta un poco la cabeza; sonríe.

Salid todos de aquí. ¡Es muy peligroso!

The command expressed by an imperative is not always rude. Other elements as the tone of voice, addressing someone as usted, or using expressions of courtesy (por favor, gracias) soften the command.

Por favor, escriba aquí su nombre y su dirección.

Salga por esa puerta, señor.

  • Request and permission.

Hagan juego, señores. (En el casino)

Completa las oraciones con estos verbos.

–¿Puedo entrar?
Entra.

  • Offers and invitations.

Sírvete un poco más de café. (Offer)

Ven con nosotros. (Invitation)

  • Advices.

Cámbiate de sitio; estarás mejor aquí.

Deja a tu novio; ese chico no te conviene.