Spanish Imperative Verbs Notes

The Imperative Form of Verbs in Spanish

• Definition: The imperative form is used for giving commands or ordering someone to do something.

• Examples in Imperative:

  • Compra (tú) el anillo.
  • Translation: (You) Buy the ring.
  • Escribe (tú) la tarea.
  • Translation: (You) Do the homework.
  • Compra (tú) los libros.
  • Translation: (You) Buy the books.
  • Come (tú) la patata.
  • Translation: (You) Eat the potato.

• Formal vs. Informal Commands:

  • Spanish commands can be formal or informal (tú/Ud.).
  • Formal (Ud.):
    • Compre Ud. el anillo.
    • Translation: Buy the ring. (formal)
  • Informal (tú):
    • Compra (tú) los dulces.
    • Translation: Buy the candy. (informal)

• Usage Context:

  • Formal Speech: Used to show respect or politeness.
  • Informal Speech: Utilized among friends, relatives, coworkers, or when speaking to children.

Formation of Affirmative Informal Commands

• Formation Rules:

  • Affirmative informal (tú) commands are formed the same way as the present indicative Ud. form.
  • Example transformation:
  • hablar: (ar) => drop 'ar' + 'a' = habla
  • comer: (er) => drop 'er' + 'e' = come
  • escribir: (ir) => drop 'ir' + 'e' = escribe

• Important Note: Ensure commands are in the "tú" form; commands use the usted form, not the tú form!

Examples of Affirmative Commands Using Regular Verbs

• Hablar (ar):

  • Habla (tú) más lentamente.
  • Translation: (You) Speak more slowly.

• Comer (er):

  • Come (tú) la cena.
  • Translation: (You) Eat the dinner.

• Escribir (ir):

  • Escribe (tú) la carta.
  • Translation: (You) Write the letter.

Negative Commands

• Formation: To create negative commands, use 'No' followed by the verb.

• Examples:

  • No cuentes tus beneficios.
  • Translation: Don't count your blessings.
  • No hables más lentamente.
  • Translation: Don't speak more slowly.

• Note: The negative commands still use the "tú" form!