El Imperativo

Spanish Imperative

Written by qualified Spanish expert Inma Sánchez BA
Last updated: 2023-02-13

El imperativo is used for commands, requests, or advice. It is not used in all forms; there is a form for tú, vosotros, nosotros, usted and ustedes. 
There is a different way to form El imperativo depending on who the command, request or advice is directed to.

Examples in El imperativo afirmativo:

¡Bebe algo!Drink something! ("you" informal singular = "tú")

¡Eduardo, corre más rápido!Eduardo, run faster!

Señora Matos, ¡compre lo que hay en la lista!Mrs Matos, buy what's on the list!

¡Amigos, bebamos hasta el amanecer!Friends, let's drink until dawn!

¡Vosotros, corred hasta casa!You, run home!

Examples in El Imperativo negativo:

If we want to express a negative command we would use "No" followed by the present subjunctive. For example:

No hables tan rápido. No entiendo nada.Don't speak so fast. I can't understand anything.

Other verbal forms are use for commands, for example the Infinitivo is very common on sign posts, or we can use sentences introduced by "que" followed by El Presente de Subjuntivo as a form of command too.

 

See also: Spanish Present Tenses and All Spanish Tenses

Lessons with more detail on El Imperativo

Using double pronouns with the imperative in Spanish (El Imperativo)
Position of Spanish direct and indirect object pronouns with infinitive/present participle and affirmative commands
Using the imperative with reflexive pronouns: affirmative commands (El Imperativo)
Si [if] followed by present indicative + main clause [command/request/advice]
Forming the Spanish imperative of vosotros for all verbs (affirmative commands)
Forming the imperative of tú for most verbs (affirmative commands)
Forming the imperative for usted/ustedes/nosotros/nosotras (affirmative and negative commands)
Forming the imperative of tú for all irregular verbs (irregular affirmative commands)
Forming the Spanish imperative of tú/ vosotros/vosotras (negative commands)
Using que + the present subjunctive in Spanish to to express a wish/command
Position of Spanish reflexive and direct object pronouns with infinitive/present participle and affirmative commands
Using the imperative of mirar/oír with specific meanings -irony, attention, supposition
Forming the Spanish imperative of tú (negative commands)
Using the imperative with reflexive pronouns: affirmative commands (El Imperativo)
Using double pronouns with the imperative in Spanish (El Imperativo)
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