Mastering Spanish Nosotros Commands: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding how to form and use nosotros commands in Spanish is crucial for expressing suggestions, invitations, and shared intentions. These commands, which translate to “Let’s…” in English, are essential for everyday conversations and collaborative activities. This comprehensive guide is designed for learners of all levels, from beginners seeking a solid foundation to advanced speakers aiming to refine their command of Spanish grammar. By exploring definitions, structural breakdowns, usage rules, and common mistakes, you will gain the confidence to use nosotros commands accurately and effectively. Prepare to enhance your fluency and communication skills by mastering this fundamental aspect of Spanish grammar.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of Nosotros Commands
- Structural Breakdown
- Examples of Nosotros Commands
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition of Nosotros Commands
Nosotros commands, also known as “let’s” commands, are used to express suggestions or instructions that include the speaker and at least one other person. They are equivalent to the English phrase “Let’s…” and are used to invite others to participate in an action. These commands are formed using the subjunctive mood, which indicates a degree of uncertainty, desire, or possibility. Understanding the subjunctive mood is crucial for mastering nosotros commands.
In Spanish, nosotros commands are primarily used in affirmative and negative forms. The affirmative form encourages a joint action, while the negative form discourages or prohibits a joint action. The correct formation and usage of these commands are essential for clear and effective communication in Spanish, allowing speakers to express shared intentions and collaborative goals.
The function of nosotros commands extends beyond simple instructions. They can also convey a sense of camaraderie, invitation, or encouragement. For example, saying “¡Comamos!” (Let’s eat!) is more than just a suggestion to eat; it’s an invitation to share a meal together. Similarly, “No hablemos de eso.” (Let’s not talk about that.) is a way to steer the conversation away from an uncomfortable topic. Therefore, mastering nosotros commands enhances not only grammatical accuracy but also pragmatic competence in Spanish.
Structural Breakdown
The formation of nosotros commands depends on whether the verb is regular or irregular. The basic rule involves using the present subjunctive form of the verb. However, reflexive verbs and verbs with stem changes require special attention. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Regular Verbs
For regular verbs, the nosotros form of the present subjunctive is used. To form this, drop the -o ending from the yo form of the present indicative and add the appropriate subjunctive ending. For -ar verbs, the ending is -emos. For -er and -ir verbs, the ending is -amos.
Example:
- Hablar (to speak): Hablo (I speak) → Hablemos (Let’s speak)
- Comer (to eat): Como (I eat) → Comamos (Let’s eat)
- Vivir (to live): Vivo (I live) → Vivamos (Let’s live)
Irregular Verbs
Irregular verbs often have irregular yo forms in the present indicative, which affects the subjunctive form. Some common irregular verbs include ser, ir, estar, saber, and dar. Their nosotros command forms are derived from their irregular subjunctive stems.
Example:
- Ser (to be): Seamos (Let’s be)
- Ir (to go): Vamos (Let’s go)
- Estar (to be): Estemos (Let’s be)
- Saber (to know): Sepamos (Let’s know)
- Dar (to give): Demos (Let’s give)
Note that the verb ir has a special affirmative nosotros command: vamos. However, the negative command is formed regularly: no vayamos.
Reflexive Verbs
Reflexive verbs require the reflexive pronoun nos to be attached to the end of the command. When attaching the pronoun, the final -s of the nosotros form is dropped. This applies only to affirmative commands.
Example:
- Levantarse (to get up): Levantemos (Let’s get up) → Levantémonos (Let’s get ourselves up)
- Sentarse (to sit down): Sentemos (Let’s sit down) → Sentémonos (Let’s sit ourselves down)
In negative commands, the reflexive pronoun nos precedes the verb.
Example:
- No levantemos (Let’s not get up) → No nos levantemos (Let’s not get ourselves up)
- No sentemos (Let’s not sit down) → No nos sentemos (Let’s not sit ourselves down)
Stem-Changing Verbs
Stem-changing verbs also follow the subjunctive formation rules, but the stem change is maintained in the nosotros form. There are two main types of stem changes: e → ie, o → ue, and e → i. However, the e → i stem change only applies to -ir verbs.
Example:
- Pensar (e → ie) (to think): Pensemos (Let’s think) (no stem change in the nosotros form)
- Volver (o → ue) (to return): Volvamos (Let’s return) (no stem change in the nosotros form)
- Pedir (e → i) (to ask for): Pidamos (Let’s ask for)
Note that for -ar and -er verbs, the stem change does not occur in the nosotros form. However, for -ir verbs with an e → i stem change, the stem change does occur in the nosotros form.
Examples of Nosotros Commands
To solidify your understanding, here are several examples of nosotros commands, categorized by verb type:
Regular Verb Examples
The following table provides examples of regular verbs used in nosotros commands. Notice how the endings change depending on whether the verb is -ar, -er, or -ir.
| Verb (Infinitive) | Nosotros Command (Affirmative) | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Hablar (to speak) | Hablemos | Let’s speak |
| Cantar (to sing) | Cantemos | Let’s sing |
| Bailar (to dance) | Bailemos | Let’s dance |
| Estudiar (to study) | Estudiemos | Let’s study |
| Trabajar (to work) | Trabajemos | Let’s work |
| Comer (to eat) | Comamos | Let’s eat |
| Beber (to drink) | Bebamos | Let’s drink |
| Leer (to read) | Leamos | Let’s read |
| Aprender (to learn) | Aprendamos | Let’s learn |
| Vender (to sell) | Vendamos | Let’s sell |
| Vivir (to live) | Vivamos | Let’s live |
| Escribir (to write) | Escribamos | Let’s write |
| Abrir (to open) | Abramos | Let’s open |
| Subir (to go up) | Subamos | Let’s go up |
| Compartir (to share) | Compartamos | Let’s share |
| Cocinar (to cook) | Cocinemos | Let’s cook |
| Lavar (to wash) | Lavemos | Let’s wash |
| Limpiar (to clean) | Limpiemos | Let’s clean |
| Visitar (to visit) | Visitemos | Let’s visit |
| Nadar (to swim) | Nademos | Let’s swim |
Irregular Verb Examples
Irregular verbs have unique subjunctive forms. The following table illustrates some common irregular verbs and their corresponding nosotros commands.
| Verb (Infinitive) | Nosotros Command (Affirmative) | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Ser (to be) | Seamos | Let’s be |
| Ir (to go) | Vamos | Let’s go |
| Estar (to be) | Estemos | Let’s be |
| Saber (to know) | Sepamos | Let’s know |
| Dar (to give) | Demos | Let’s give |
| Haber (to have – auxiliary) | Hayamos | Let’s have |
| Caber (to fit) | Quepamos | Let’s fit |
| Ver (to see) | Veamos | Let’s see |
| Oír (to hear) | Oyamos | Let’s hear |
| Poner (to put) | Pongamos | Let’s put |
| Tener (to have) | Tengamos | Let’s have |
| Venir (to come) | Vengamos | Let’s come |
| Decir (to say) | Digamos | Let’s say |
| Hacer (to do/make) | Hagamos | Let’s do/make |
| Salir (to leave) | Salgamos | Let’s leave |
| Traer (to bring) | Traigamos | Let’s bring |
| Valer (to be worth) | Valgamos | Let’s be worth |
| Conocer (to know – people/places) | Conozcamos | Let’s know |
| Agradecer (to thank) | Agradezcamos | Let’s thank |
| Permanecer (to remain) | Permanezcamos | Let’s remain |
Reflexive Verb Examples
Reflexive verbs require the attachment of the reflexive pronoun nos. Remember to drop the final -s from the nosotros form before attaching nos.
| Verb (Infinitive) | Nosotros Command (Affirmative) | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Levantarse (to get up) | Levantémonos | Let’s get up |
| Sentarse (to sit down) | Sentémonos | Let’s sit down |
| Vestirse (to get dressed) | Vistámonos | Let’s get dressed |
| Despertarse (to wake up) | Despertémonos | Let’s wake up |
| Dormirse (to fall asleep) | Durmámonos | Let’s fall asleep |
| Bañarse (to take a bath) | Bañémonos | Let’s take a bath |
| Peinarse (to comb one’s hair) | Peinémonos | Let’s comb our hair |
| Afeitarse (to shave) | Afeitémonos | Let’s shave |
| Maquillarse (to put on makeup) | Maquillémonos | Let’s put on makeup |
| Lavarse (to wash oneself) | Lavémonos | Let’s wash ourselves |
| Alegrarse (to be happy) | Alegrémonos | Let’s be happy |
| Quejarse (to complain) | Quejémonos | Let’s complain |
| Preocuparse (to worry) | Preocupémonos | Let’s worry |
| Enfadarse (to get angry) | Enfadémonos | Let’s get angry |
| Reunirse (to meet up) | Reunámonos | Let’s meet up |
| Casarse (to get married) | Casémonos | Let’s get married |
| Mudarse (to move – residence) | Mudémonos | Let’s move |
| Acostarse (to go to bed) | Acostémonos | Let’s go to bed |
| Callarse (to be quiet) | Callémonos | Let’s be quiet |
| Divertirse (to have fun) | Divirtámonos | Let’s have fun |
Stem-Changing Verb Examples
Stem-changing verbs maintain their stem changes in the nosotros form only for -ir verbs. Here are some examples:
| Verb (Infinitive) | Nosotros Command (Affirmative) | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Pensar (e → ie) (to think) | Pensemos | Let’s think |
| Volver (o → ue) (to return) | Volvamos | Let’s return |
| Pedir (e → i) (to ask for) | Pidamos | Let’s ask for |
| Dormir (o → ue) (to sleep) | Durmamos | Let’s sleep |
| Sentir (e → ie) (to feel) | Sintamos | Let’s feel |
| Empezar (e → ie) (to start) | Empecemos | Let’s start |
| Recordar (o → ue) (to remember) | Recordemos | Let’s remember |
| Servir (e → i) (to serve) | Sirvamos | Let’s serve |
| Contar (o → ue) (to count/tell) | Contemos | Let’s count/tell |
| Preferir (e → ie) (to prefer) | Prefiramos | Let’s prefer |
| Mostrar (o → ue) (to show) | Mostremos | Let’s show |
| Seguir (e → i) (to follow) | Sigamos | Let’s follow |
| Probar (o → ue) (to try/taste) | Probemos | Let’s try/taste |
| Mentir (e → ie) (to lie) | Mintamos | Let’s lie |
| Almorzar (o → ue) (to have lunch) | Almorcemos | Let’s have lunch |
| Competir (e → i) (to compete) | Compitamos | Let’s compete |
| Resolver (o → ue) (to resolve) | Resolvamos | Let’s resolve |
| Conseguir (e → i) (to get/obtain) | Consigamos | Let’s get/obtain |
| Aprobar (o → ue) (to approve) | Aprobemos | Let’s approve |
| Advertir (e → ie) (to warn) | Advirtamos | Let’s warn |
Pronoun Placement Examples
This table illustrates the placement of pronouns in both affirmative and negative nosotros commands. Note the difference in placement and the dropping of the ‘s’ in affirmative reflexive commands.
| Verb (Infinitive) | Affirmative Command | Negative Command | English Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lavar (to wash) | Lavémoslo (Let’s wash it) | No lo lavemos (Let’s not wash it) | Let’s wash it / Let’s not wash it |
| Comprar (to buy) | Comprémoslas (Let’s buy them – feminine) | No las compremos (Let’s not buy them – feminine) | Let’s buy them / Let’s not buy them |
| Escribir (to write) | Escribámosle (Let’s write to him/her) | No le escribamos (Let’s not write to him/her) | Let’s write to him/her / Let’s not write to him/her |
| Dar (to give) | Démoselo (Let’s give it to him/her) | No se lo demos (Let’s not give it to him/her) | Let’s give it to him/her / Let’s not give it to him/her |
| Decir (to say) | Digámoselo (Let’s say it to him/her) | No se lo digamos (Let’s not say it to him/her) | Let’s say it to him/her / Let’s not say it to him/her |
| Levantarse (to get up) | Levantémonos (Let’s get up) | No nos levantemos (Let’s not get up) | Let’s get up / Let’s not get up |
| Vestirse (to get dressed) | Vistámonos (Let’s get dressed) | No nos vistamos (Let’s not get dressed) | Let’s get dressed / Let’s not get dressed |
| Comprarse (to buy for oneself) | Comprémonos (Let’s buy for ourselves) | No nos compremos (Let’s not buy for ourselves) | Let’s buy for ourselves / Let’s not buy for ourselves |
| Contar (to tell) | Contémosela (Let’s tell it to her) | No se la contemos (Let’s not tell it to her) | Let’s tell it to her / Let’s not tell it to her |
| Leer (to read) | Leámoslo (Let’s read it) | No lo leamos (Let’s not read it) | Let’s read it / Let’s not read it |
| Preparar (to prepare) | Preparémosla (Let’s prepare it – feminine) | No la preparemos (Let’s not prepare it – feminine) | Let’s prepare it / Let’s not prepare it |
| Hacer (to do/make) | Hagámoslo (Let’s do it) | No lo hagamos (Let’s not do it) | Let’s do it / Let’s not do it |
| Traer (to bring) | Traigámosla (Let’s bring it – feminine) | No la traigamos (Let’s not bring it – feminine) | Let’s bring it / Let’s not bring it |
| Pedir (to ask for) | Pidámoslo (Let’s ask for it) | No lo pidamos (Let’s not ask for it) | Let’s ask for it / Let’s not ask for it |
| Ver (to see) | Veámoslo (Let’s see it) | No lo veamos (Let’s not see it) | Let’s see it / Let’s not see it |
| Cantar (to sing) | Cantémosla (Let’s sing it – feminine) | No la cantemos (Let’s not sing it – feminine) | Let’s sing it / Let’s not sing it |
| Bailar (to dance) | Bailémoslo (Let’s dance it) | No lo bailemos (Let’s not dance it) | Let’s dance it / Let’s not dance it |
| Cocinar (to cook) | Cocinémosla (Let’s cook it – feminine) | No la cocinemos (Let’s not cook it – feminine) | Let’s cook it / Let’s not cook it |
| Limpiar (to clean) | Limpiémoslo (Let’s clean it) | No lo limpiemos (Let’s not clean it) | Let’s clean it / Let’s not clean it |
| Comer (to eat) | Comámoslo (Let’s eat it) | No lo comamos (Let’s not eat it) | Let’s eat it / Let’s not eat it |
Usage Rules
Using nosotros commands correctly involves understanding the rules for affirmative and negative forms, as well as pronoun placement and some important exceptions.
Affirmative Commands
Affirmative nosotros commands encourage a joint action and are formed using the present subjunctive. Remember that the affirmative command for ir is vamos.
Example: ¡Hablemos español! (Let’s speak Spanish!)
Negative Commands
Negative nosotros commands discourage or prohibit a joint action. They are formed by placing no before the subjunctive form of the verb.
Example: ¡No hablemos de eso! (Let’s not talk about that!)
Pronoun Attachment
When using pronouns with affirmative nosotros commands, they are attached to the end of the verb. If the verb is reflexive, the final -s of the nosotros form is dropped before attaching the pronoun nos.
Example: ¡Lavémonos las manos! (Let’s wash our hands!) (reflexive)
Example: ¡Comámoslo! (Let’s eat it!) (direct object pronoun)
For negative commands, pronouns precede the verb.
Example: ¡No nos lavemos las manos! (Let’s not wash our hands!) (reflexive)
Example: ¡No lo comamos! (Let’s not eat it!) (direct object pronoun)
Exceptions
The most notable exception is the affirmative command of the verb ir (to go), which is vamos instead of vayamos. However, the negative command is regular: no vayamos.
Example: ¡Vamos a la playa! (Let’s go to the beach!) (affirmative)
Example: ¡No vayamos al cine hoy! (Let’s not go to the cinema today!) (negative)
Common Mistakes
One common mistake is forgetting to use the subjunctive mood when forming nosotros commands. Another is incorrectly placing pronouns, especially with reflexive verbs. It’s also common to forget the exception with the verb *ir*.
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Vamos a hablar. | Hablemos. | “Vamos a hablar” means “We are going to speak.” Use the subjunctive for the command. |
| No vamos. | No vayamos. | “No vamos” means “We don’t go.” Use the subjunctive for the negative command of *ir*. |
| Levantemosnos. | Levantémonos. | Remember to drop the ‘s’ before adding ‘nos’ to reflexive verbs. |
| No nos levantemosnos. | No nos levantemos. | Don’t attach ‘nos’ in negative commands. It precedes the verb. |
| Comemos la pizza. | Comamos la pizza. | Subjunctive form is needed for the command. |
| No comemos la pizza. | No comamos la pizza. | Subjunctive form is needed for the command. |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding with the following exercises. Provide the correct nosotros command form for each verb in parentheses.
Exercise 1: Forming Affirmative Commands
Complete the following sentences with the affirmative nosotros command form of the verb in parentheses.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. ¡(Hablar) ________ español en clase! | Hablemos |
| 2. ¡(Comer) ________ juntos en el restaurante nuevo! | Comamos |
| 3. ¡(Vivir) ________ la vida al máximo! | Vivamos |
| 4. ¡(Estudiar) ________ para el examen! | Estudiemos |
| 5. ¡(Bailar) ________ toda la noche! | Bailemos |
| 6. ¡(Escribir) ________ una carta a nuestros amigos! | Escribamos |
| 7. ¡(Abrir) ________ los regalos ahora! | Abramos |
| 8. ¡(Subir) ________ a la montaña! | Subamos |
| 9. ¡(Practicar) ________ más deportes! | Practiquemos |
| 10. ¡(Leer) ________ este libro interesante! | Leamos |
Exercise 2: Forming Negative Commands
Complete the following sentences with the negative nosotros command form of the verb in parentheses.
| Question | Answer | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. ¡(Hablar) ________ de cosas tristes! | No hablemos | |
| 2. ¡(Comer) ________ tanta comida rápida! | No comamos | |
| 3. ¡(Vivir) ________ en el pasado! | No vivamos | |
| 4. ¡(Estar) ________ tristes hoy! | No estemos | |
| 5. ¡(Ir) ________ al cine, mejor quedémonos en casa! | No vayamos | |
| 6. ¡(Escribir) ________ mensajes groseros! | No escribamos | |
| 7 | 7. ¡(Abrir) ________ la puerta a los desconocidos! | No abramos |
| 8. ¡(Subir) ________ las escaleras corriendo! | No subamos | |
| 9. ¡(Gastar) ________ todo el dinero! | No gastemos | |
| 10. ¡(Llegar) ________ tarde! | No lleguemos |
Exercise 3: Using Reflexive Verbs
Complete the following sentences with the correct reflexive nosotros command form.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. ¡(Levantarse) ________ temprano mañana! | Levantémonos |
| 2. ¡(Acostarse) ________ tarde esta noche! | No nos acostemos |
| 3. ¡(Vestirse) ________ rápido para no llegar tarde! | Vistámonos |
| 4. ¡(Preocuparse) ________ tanto por el futuro! | No nos preocupemos |
| 5. ¡(Divertirse) ________ en la fiesta! | Divirtámonos |
| 6. ¡(Callarse) ________ un rato, por favor! | Callémonos |
| 7. ¡(Enfadarse) ________ por tonterías! | No nos enfademos |
| 8. ¡(Alegrarse) ________ de las buenas noticias! | Alegrémonos |
| 9. ¡(Lavarse) ________ las manos antes de comer! | Lavémonos |
| 10. ¡(Quejarse) ________ tanto! | No nos quejemos |
Exercise 4: Translation
Translate the following sentences into Spanish using nosotros commands.
| English Sentence | Spanish Translation |
|---|---|
| 1. Let’s eat pizza tonight! | ¡Comamos pizza esta noche! |
| 2. Let’s not watch that movie! | ¡No veamos esa película! |
| 3. Let’s get up early tomorrow! | ¡Levantémonos temprano mañana! |
| 4. Let’s go to the park! | ¡Vamos al parque! |
| 5. Let’s not be late! | ¡No lleguemos tarde! |
| 6. Let’s study together! | ¡Estudiemos juntos! |
| 7. Let’s not worry about it! | ¡No nos preocupemos por eso! |
| 8. Let’s have fun! | ¡Divirtámonos! |
| 9. Let’s speak in Spanish! | ¡Hablemos en español! |
| 10. Let’s not spend all the money! | ¡No gastemos todo el dinero! |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, understanding the nuances of nosotros commands in complex sentences and formal contexts can further refine their Spanish proficiency.
Subjunctive Triggers in Related Clauses
Nosotros commands can be influenced by subjunctive triggers in related clauses. Certain expressions of desire, doubt, or necessity can affect the mood of the command.
Example: Quiero que vayamos al cine. (I want us to go to the cinema.)
Formal vs. Informal Usage
While nosotros commands are generally informal, there are situations where a more formal approach is necessary. In these cases, using alternative constructions or more polite language can be appropriate.
Example: Instead of “Hablemos,” you might say “Sería bueno que habláramos” (It would be good if we spoke) in a formal setting.
FAQ
What is the difference between “vamos” and “vayamos”?
“Vamos” is the affirmative nosotros command form of the verb “ir” (to go), meaning “Let’s go.” “Vayamos” is the subjunctive form used in negative commands (No vayamos – Let’s not go) or in other subjunctive contexts.
How do I know when to use a reflexive pronoun with nosotros commands?
Use a reflexive pronoun when the action of the verb reflects back on the subject (i.e., when the subject is performing the action on themselves). For example, “Levantarse” (to get oneself up) requires the reflexive pronoun.
Are stem-changing verbs treated differently in nosotros commands?
Yes, but it depends on the verb type. For -ar and -er verbs, the stem change does not occur in the nosotros form. However, for -ir verbs with an e → i stem change, the stem change does occur.
Can I use nosotros commands with indirect object pronouns?
Yes, indirect object pronouns can be used with nosotros commands. They are placed before the verb in negative commands and attached to the end of the verb in affirmative commands.
What is the best way to practice nosotros commands?
Practice forming affirmative and negative commands with different verbs, including regular, irregular, and reflexive verbs. Translate sentences from English to Spanish and vice versa, focusing on accurate pronoun placement and subjunctive formation.
Conclusion
Mastering nosotros commands is essential for expressing shared intentions and collaborative actions in Spanish. By understanding the structural rules, usage guidelines, and common exceptions, you can confidently use these commands in a variety of contexts. Consistent practice and attention to detail will further enhance your proficiency and fluency in Spanish. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be confidently suggesting, inviting, and encouraging others in Spanish with ease!