Mastering Spanish Commands: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding and using commands in Spanish is crucial for giving instructions, making requests, and expressing directives. This grammatical concept allows you to tell someone what to do directly, whether you’re offering advice, issuing orders, or simply making a suggestion.
This article is designed for Spanish learners of all levels, from beginners looking to grasp the basics to advanced students aiming to refine their command usage. By exploring the different forms, rules, and nuances of Spanish commands, you’ll gain the confidence to communicate effectively and assertively in Spanish-speaking environments.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of Spanish Commands
- Structural Breakdown of Spanish Commands
- Types of Spanish Commands
- Examples of Spanish Commands
- Usage Rules for Spanish Commands
- Common Mistakes with Spanish Commands
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics in Spanish Commands
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Definition of Spanish Commands
Spanish commands, also known as imperativos, are verb forms used to give direct orders, instructions, or requests. They tell someone what to do. Unlike indicative or subjunctive moods, which describe or express possibilities, the imperative mood directly instructs or urges action. Commands are essential for everyday communication, from simple instructions like “Open the door” (Abre la puerta) to more complex directives.
Commands in Spanish vary depending on the person you are addressing. The most common forms are the tú (informal singular), usted (formal singular), ustedes (formal plural), and nosotros (let’s) commands. Each form has its own conjugation rules, making it important to understand the distinctions to use them correctly. The imperative mood only exists in the present tense, as it inherently refers to immediate action.
Structural Breakdown of Spanish Commands
The structure of a Spanish command is relatively simple. It consists primarily of the verb in its imperative form. However, the specific form of the verb changes based on the pronoun being addressed (tú, usted, ustedes, nosotros). Additionally, the placement of pronouns, especially reflexive or object pronouns, can affect the structure of the command.
For affirmative commands, pronouns are attached to the end of the verb. For example, “Tell me” becomes Dime. In negative commands, pronouns precede the verb. For instance, “Don’t tell me” is No me digas. Understanding these pronoun placement rules is crucial for constructing grammatically correct and natural-sounding commands.
Types of Spanish Commands
Spanish commands can be categorized based on the pronoun they address and whether they are affirmative or negative. Here’s a breakdown of the different types:
Affirmative Tú Commands
Affirmative tú commands are used to give informal orders or instructions to someone you would address as tú. In most cases, the affirmative tú command form is the same as the third-person singular (él/ella/usted) form of the present indicative. However, there are exceptions, particularly with irregular verbs.
For example, the verb hablar (to speak) in the present indicative, third-person singular is habla. Therefore, the affirmative tú command is also Habla (Speak!). For verbs like comer (to eat), the third-person singular is come, so the command is Come (Eat!).
Negative Tú Commands
Negative tú commands are used to tell someone you address as tú not to do something. These commands are formed using the present subjunctive form of the verb, preceded by “no.”
To form the negative *tú* command, you take the yo form of the present tense, drop the “-o” ending, and then add “-es” for -ar verbs and “-as” for -er and -ir verbs. For example, for the verb hablar (to speak), the *yo* form is hablo. Dropping the “-o” leaves you with habl-. Since hablar is an -ar verb, you add “-es” to get hables. Therefore, the negative *tú* command is No hables (Don’t speak!). For comer (to eat), the *yo* form is como. Dropping the “-o” and adding “-as” gives you No comas (Don’t eat!).
Usted Commands
Usted commands are used to give formal orders or instructions to someone you would address as usted. These commands are formed using the present subjunctive form of the verb.
The formation is the same as the negative *tú* command: take the *yo* form of the present tense, drop the “-o” ending, and then add “-e” or “-en” for -ar verbs and “-a” or “-an” for -er and -ir verbs. For example, for the verb hablar, the usted command is Hable (Speak!). For comer, the usted command is Coma (Eat!). To make it negative, simply add “no” before the verb: No hable (Don’t speak!), No coma (Don’t eat!).
Ustedes Commands
Ustedes commands are used to give orders or instructions to a group of people you would address formally. They are also formed using the present subjunctive, and the formation is similar to the usted command, but adapted for the plural form.
For -ar verbs, the ending is “-en,” and for -er and -ir verbs, the ending is “-an.” For example, for the verb hablar, the ustedes command is Hablen (Speak!). For comer, the ustedes command is Coman (Eat!). To make it negative, add “no” before the verb: No hablen (Don’t speak!), No coman (Don’t eat!).
Nosotros Commands
Nosotros commands are used to make suggestions or give instructions that include the speaker, often translated as “let’s.” These commands are also formed using the present subjunctive.
For -ar verbs, the ending is “-emos,” and for -er and -ir verbs, the ending is “-amos.” However, for -ir verbs that undergo a stem change in the present tense, the stem change applies. For example, for the verb hablar, the nosotros command is Hablemos (Let’s speak!). For comer, the nosotros command is Comamos (Let’s eat!). For ir (to go), the command is Vamos (Let’s go!). To make it negative, add “no” before the verb: No hablemos (Let’s not speak!), No comamos (Let’s not eat!), No vamos (Let’s not go!).
Irregular Commands
Several verbs have irregular forms in the imperative mood, especially in the affirmative tú form. These need to be memorized. Some of the most common irregular affirmative tú commands include:
- Decir (to say) – Di (Say!)
- Hacer (to do/make) – Haz (Do/Make!)
- Ir (to go) – Ve (Go!)
- Poner (to put) – Pon (Put!)
- Salir (to leave) – Sal (Leave!)
- Ser (to be) – Sé (Be!)
- Tener (to have) – Ten (Have!)
- Venir (to come) – Ven (Come!)
Other forms (usted, ustedes, nosotros) follow the subjunctive rules, even for these irregular verbs.
Examples of Spanish Commands
The following tables provide examples of Spanish commands in various forms, showcasing both affirmative and negative commands for different pronouns.
Affirmative Tú Commands Examples
This table illustrates the use of affirmative tú commands with regular and irregular verbs. Pay attention to the irregular forms, as they deviate from the standard conjugation rules.
| Verb | Command (Tú) | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Hablar (to speak) | Habla | Speak! |
| Comer (to eat) | Come | Eat! |
| Vivir (to live) | Vive | Live! |
| Escribir (to write) | Escribe | Write! |
| Abrir (to open) | Abre | Open! |
| Cerrar (to close) | Cierra | Close! |
| Entender (to understand) | Entiende | Understand! |
| Pedir (to ask for) | Pide | Ask for! |
| Volver (to return) | Vuelve | Return! |
| Decir (to say) | Di | Say! |
| Hacer (to do/make) | Haz | Do/Make! |
| Ir (to go) | Ve | Go! |
| Poner (to put) | Pon | Put! |
| Salir (to leave) | Sal | Leave! |
| Ser (to be) | Sé | Be! |
| Tener (to have) | Ten | Have! |
| Venir (to come) | Ven | Come! |
| Estudiar (to study) | Estudia | Study! |
| Trabajar (to work) | Trabaja | Work! |
| Beber (to drink) | Bebe | Drink! |
| Subir (to go up) | Sube | Go up! |
| Aprender (to learn) | Aprende | Learn! |
| Compartir (to share) | Comparte | Share! |
| Recibir (to receive) | Recibe | Receive! |
| Visitar (to visit) | Visita | Visit! |
Negative Tú Commands Examples
This table shows how to form negative tú commands using the present subjunctive. Remember to use the correct subjunctive endings for -ar, -er, and -ir verbs.
| Verb | Command (Tú) | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Hablar (to speak) | No hables | Don’t speak! |
| Comer (to eat) | No comas | Don’t eat! |
| Vivir (to live) | No vivas | Don’t live! |
| Escribir (to write) | No escribas | Don’t write! |
| Abrir (to open) | No abras | Don’t open! |
| Cerrar (to close) | No cierres | Don’t close! |
| Entender (to understand) | No entiendas | Don’t understand! |
| Pedir (to ask for) | No pidas | Don’t ask for! |
| Volver (to return) | No vuelvas | Don’t return! |
| Decir (to say) | No digas | Don’t say! |
| Hacer (to do/make) | No hagas | Don’t do/make! |
| Ir (to go) | No vayas | Don’t go! |
| Poner (to put) | No pongas | Don’t put! |
| Salir (to leave) | No salgas | Don’t leave! |
| Ser (to be) | No seas | Don’t be! |
| Tener (to have) | No tengas | Don’t have! |
| Venir (to come) | No vengas | Don’t come! |
| Estudiar (to study) | No estudies | Don’t study! |
| Trabajar (to work) | No trabajes | Don’t work! |
| Beber (to drink) | No bebas | Don’t drink! |
| Subir (to go up) | No subas | Don’t go up! |
| Aprender (to learn) | No aprendas | Don’t learn! |
| Compartir (to share) | No compartas | Don’t share! |
| Recibir (to receive) | No recibas | Don’t receive! |
| Visitar (to visit) | No visites | Don’t visit! |
Usted Commands Examples
This table provides examples of formal commands using the usted form. These commands are often used in more formal settings or when addressing someone you don’t know well.
| Verb | Command (Usted) | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Hablar (to speak) | Hable | Speak! (formal) |
| Comer (to eat) | Coma | Eat! (formal) |
| Vivir (to live) | Viva | Live! (formal) |
| Escribir (to write) | Escriba | Write! (formal) |
| Abrir (to open) | Abra | Open! (formal) |
| Cerrar (to close) | Cierre | Close! (formal) |
| Entender (to understand) | Entienda | Understand! (formal) |
| Pedir (to ask for) | Pida | Ask for! (formal) |
| Volver (to return) | Vuelva | Return! (formal) |
| Decir (to say) | Diga | Say! (formal) |
| Hacer (to do/make) | Haga | Do/Make! (formal) |
| Ir (to go) | Vaya | Go! (formal) |
| Poner (to put) | Ponga | Put! (formal) |
| Salir (to leave) | Salga | Leave! (formal) |
| Ser (to be) | Sea | Be! (formal) |
| Tener (to have) | Tenga | Have! (formal) |
| Venir (to come) | Venga | Come! (formal) |
| Estudiar (to study) | Estudie | Study! (formal) |
| Trabajar (to work) | Trabaje | Work! (formal) |
| Beber (to drink) | Beba | Drink! (formal) |
| Subir (to go up) | Suba | Go up! (formal) |
| Aprender (to learn) | Aprenda | Learn! (formal) |
| Compartir (to share) | Comparta | Share! (formal) |
| Recibir (to receive) | Reciba | Receive! (formal) |
| Visitar (to visit) | Visite | Visit! (formal) |
Ustedes Commands Examples
This table illustrates the use of ustedes commands, which are used to address a group of people formally. The command form is derived from the present subjunctive, similar to the usted command, but with plural endings.
| Verb | Command (Ustedes) | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Hablar (to speak) | Hablen | Speak! (formal, plural) |
| Comer (to eat) | Coman | Eat! (formal, plural) |
| Vivir (to live) | Vivan | Live! (formal, plural) |
| Escribir (to write) | Escriban | Write! (formal, plural) |
| Abrir (to open) | Abran | Open! (formal, plural) |
| Cerrar (to close) | Cierren | Close! (formal, plural) |
| Entender (to understand) | Entiendan | Understand! (formal, plural) |
| Pedir (to ask for) | Pidan | Ask for! (formal, plural) |
| Volver (to return) | Vuelvan | Return! (formal, plural) |
| Decir (to say) | Digan | Say! (formal, plural) |
| Hacer (to do/make) | Hagan | Do/Make! (formal, plural) |
| Ir (to go) | Vayan | Go! (formal, plural) |
| Poner (to put) | Pongan | Put! (formal, plural) |
| Salir (to leave) | Salgan | Leave! (formal, plural) |
| Ser (to be) | Sean | Be! (formal, plural) |
| Tener (to have) | Tengan | Have! (formal, plural) |
| Venir (to come) | Vengan | Come! (formal, plural) |
| Estudiar (to study) | Estudien | Study! (formal, plural) |
| Trabajar (to work) | Trabajen | Work! (formal, plural) |
| Beber (to drink) | Beban | Drink! (formal, plural) |
| Subir (to go up) | Suban | Go up! (formal, plural) |
| Aprender (to learn) | Aprendan | Learn! (formal, plural) |
| Compartir (to share) | Compartan | Share! (formal, plural) |
| Recibir (to receive) | Reciban | Receive! (formal, plural) |
| Visitar (to visit) | Visiten | Visit! (formal, plural) |
Nosotros Commands Examples
This table demonstrates the use of nosotros commands, which are used to make suggestions or give instructions that include the speaker. These commands are equivalent to “let’s” in English.
| Verb | Command (Nosotros) | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Hablar (to speak) | Hablemos | Let’s speak! |
| Comer (to eat) | Comamos | Let’s eat! |
| Vivir (to live) | Vivamos | Let’s live! |
| Escribir (to write) | Escribamos | Let’s write! |
| Abrir (to open) | Abramos | Let’s open! |
| Cerrar (to close) | Cerremos | Let’s close! |
| Entender (to understand) | Entendamos | Let’s understand! |
| Pedir (to ask for) | Pidamos | Let’s ask for! |
| Volver (to return) | Volvamos | Let’s return! |
| Decir (to say) | Digamos | Let’s say! |
| Hacer (to do/make) | Hagamos | Let’s do/make! |
| Ir (to go) | Vamos | Let’s go! |
| Poner (to put) | Pongamos | Let’s put! |
| Salir (to leave) | Salgamos | Let’s leave! |
| Ser (to be) | Seamos | Let’s be! |
| Tener (to have) | Tengamos | Let’s have! |
| Venir (to come) | Vengamos | Let’s come! |
| Estudiar (to study) | Estudiemos | Let’s study! |
| Trabajar (to work) | Trabajemos | Let’s work! |
| Beber (to drink) | Bebamos | Let’s drink! |
| Subir (to go up) | Subamos | Let’s go up! |
| Aprender (to learn) | Aprendamos | Let’s learn! |
| Compartir (to share) | Compartamos | Let’s share! |
| Recibir (to receive) | Recibamos | Let’s receive! |
| Visitar (to visit) | Visitemos | Let’s visit! |
Usage Rules for Spanish Commands
Several rules govern the proper use of Spanish commands. Understanding these rules ensures that you use commands correctly and avoid common errors.
- Pronoun Placement: In affirmative commands, reflexive and object pronouns are attached to the end of the verb. For example, “Wash yourself” is Lávate. In negative commands, pronouns precede the verb: “Don’t wash yourself” is No te laves.
- Irregular Verbs: Be aware of irregular verb forms, especially in the affirmative tú command. Memorize these forms to avoid mistakes.
- Subjunctive Mood: Remember that negative tú, usted, ustedes, and nosotros commands are formed using the present subjunctive.
- Formal vs. Informal: Choose the appropriate command form (tú, usted, ustedes) based on the level of formality required in the situation.
- Stem-Changing Verbs: For nosotros commands, stem-changing -ir verbs maintain their stem change.
Common Mistakes with Spanish Commands
Learners often make specific mistakes when using Spanish commands. Here are some common errors and how to correct them.
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| No hablas | No hables | Negative tú commands require the subjunctive mood. |
| Haz no eso | No hagas eso | In negative commands, “no” precedes the verb. |
| Come tú | Come | The pronoun “tú” is usually omitted in affirmative commands. |
| Sentarse (¡Tú!) | Siéntate | Reflexive pronouns attach to the end of affirmative commands. |
| Vamos a no ir | No vamos | The negative form of “vamos” is “no vamos”. |
| Digasme | Dime | Pronoun placement is incorrect in affirmative commands; it should be attached to the end of the verb. |
| No le digas a ella. | No le digas. | It is acceptable if the context is known, but adding “a ella” is redundant. “Le” already implies “to her.” |
| Sé bueno. | Estate bien. | “Sé” is for permanent qualities. “Estate” is for temporary states. |
Practice Exercises
Test your knowledge of Spanish commands with these practice exercises. Provide the correct command form for each sentence.
Exercise 1: Affirmative Tú Commands
Fill in the blank with the correct affirmative tú command form of the verb in parentheses.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. _______ (Hablar) más despacio, por favor. | Habla |
| 2. _______ (Comer) toda la comida. | Come |
| 3. _______ (Escribir) una carta a tu abuela. | Escribe |
| 4. _______ (Abrir) la ventana, hace calor. | Abre |
| 5. _______ (Venir) aquí ahora mismo. | Ven |
| 6. _______ (Poner) la mesa antes de cenar. | Pon |
| 7. _______ (Hacer) la tarea antes de jugar. | Haz |
| 8. _______ (Tener) cuidado con el perro. | Ten |
| 9. _______ (Ser) amable con tus amigos. | Sé |
| 10. _______ (Ir) a la tienda por pan. | Ve |
Exercise 2: Negative Tú Commands
Fill in the blank with the correct negative tú command form of the verb in parentheses.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. _______ (Hablar) tan alto, por favor. | No hables |
| 2. _______ (Comer) demasiados dulces. | No comas |
| 3. _______ (Escribir) en la pared. | No escribas |
| 4. _______ (Abrir) la puerta ahora. | No abras |
| 5. _______ (Venir) tarde a la escuela. | No vengas |
| 6. _______ (Poner) tus pies en la mesa. | No pongas |
| 7. _______ (Hacer) eso, es peligroso. | No hagas |
| 8. _______ (Tener) miedo, todo estará bien. | No tengas |
| 9. _______ (Ser) malo con tu hermano. | No seas |
| 10. _______ (Ir) allí solo, es peligroso. | No vayas |
Exercise 3: Usted Commands
Fill in the blank with the correct usted command form of the verb in parentheses.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. _______ (Hablar) más alto, por favor. | Hable |
| 2. _______ (Comer) todo, si le gusta. | Coma |
| 3. _______ (Escribir) su nombre aquí. | Escriba |
| 4. _______ (Abrir) el libro en la página 20. |