Using the infinitive to express a request/command/give instructions : Spanish language lesson

In: Level B2, Idioms, Idiomatic Usage, and Structures, Infinitivo, órdenes y peticiones

The infinitive is used in Spanish in specific situations, generally when a command is directed to the general public through signs, for example in traffic, in towns, in public areas. It is also used when we are giving step-by-step instructions, for example in a recipe book, or when explaining how to build something.

If it is a negative command, you just place "No" in front of the infinitive. So there is no need to conjugate the verb.

Signs

Here are some examples:

No fumar.No smoking.

Apagar las luces.Switch off the lights.

No pisar el cesped.Keep off the grass.

Precalentar el horno.Preheat the oven.

Cocinar a fuego lento.Cook on a low heat.

Step-by-step instructions

Doblar la hoja por la mitad.Fold the paper in half.

Regar la planta con agua abundante.Water the plant with plenty of water.

The use of the infinitive as a command instead of the imperative makes the command a "softer" and more "polite". You will still sometimes find commands directed to the general public in the imperative, but the infinitive seems to be preferred in these cases.