Mastering Spanish Commands: Tú vs. Usted
Understanding how to give commands in Spanish is crucial for effective communication. However, it’s not as simple as just conjugating a verb. Spanish distinguishes between informal (tú) and formal (usted) commands, each with its own set of rules. Mastering these commands allows you to confidently give instructions, make requests, and express your desires in a culturally appropriate manner. This guide will provide a detailed explanation of both tú and usted commands, complete with examples, usage rules, and practice exercises. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, this article will help you navigate the nuances of Spanish imperative forms.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of Spanish Commands
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories of Commands
- Examples of Spanish Commands
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition of Spanish Commands
Spanish commands, also known as the imperative mood, are used to give orders, instructions, or make requests. They tell someone to do something. The form of the command changes depending on who you are addressing: tú (informal singular), usted (formal singular), vosotros (informal plural, used in Spain), or ustedes (formal/informal plural, used in Latin America and parts of Spain).
The imperative mood only exists in the present tense. There is no past or future imperative.
The command form is derived from the present tense conjugations, with some irregularities. Understanding the difference between the informal and formal command forms is crucial to avoid being impolite or disrespectful.
Commands can be classified into two main categories: affirmative commands, which tell someone to do something, and negative commands, which tell someone not to do something. Each category has its own set of rules for conjugation and pronoun placement. The choice between tú and usted depends on your relationship with the person you are addressing. Use tú with friends, family, and people you know well. Use usted with strangers, elders, or people in positions of authority.
Structural Breakdown
Tú Commands (Informal)
Tú commands are used with people you address informally. The affirmative tú command is generally identical to the él/ella/usted form of the present indicative. However, there are exceptions, particularly with irregular verbs.
To form a negative tú command, use the present subjunctive form of the verb. The present subjunctive is formed by dropping the -o from the yo form of the present indicative and adding the opposite ending: -es for -ar verbs and -as for -er/-ir verbs. Remember to place “no” before the verb.
Usted Commands (Formal)
Usted commands are used with people you address formally. Both affirmative and negative usted commands are formed using the present subjunctive. For -ar verbs, the ending changes to -e. For -er and -ir verbs, the ending changes to -a. Remember to place “no” before the verb in negative commands.
The use of usted commands demonstrates respect and politeness. It is especially important when interacting with individuals you do not know well or those in positions of authority.
Types and Categories of Commands
Affirmative Commands
Affirmative commands tell someone to do something. They are used to give instructions, make requests, or encourage action. In the tú form, they often resemble the third-person singular present indicative form. In the usted form, they use the present subjunctive.
The tone of an affirmative command can vary depending on the context and the relationship between the speaker and the listener. It can range from a polite request to a firm order.
Negative Commands
Negative commands tell someone not to do something. They are formed by placing “no” before the verb. Both tú and usted negative commands use the present subjunctive form of the verb.
Negative commands are used to prevent unwanted actions or to give warnings. It’s crucial to use the correct subjunctive form to avoid confusion.
Examples of Spanish Commands
Tú Affirmative Commands
Below is a table showcasing various examples of affirmative tú commands. Note the common forms and the irregular verbs.
| Verb (Infinitive) | Tú Affirmative Command | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Hablar (to speak) | Habla | Speak! |
| Comer (to eat) | Come | Eat! |
| Vivir (to live) | Vive | Live! |
| Escribir (to write) | Escribe | Write! |
| Leer (to read) | Lee | Read! |
| Abrir (to open) | Abre | Open! |
| Cerrar (to close) | Cierra | Close! |
| Entender (to understand) | Entiende | Understand! |
| Pedir (to ask for) | Pide | Ask! |
| Volver (to return) | Vuelve | Return! |
| Hacer (to do/make) | Haz | Do/Make! |
| Tener (to have) | Ten | Have! |
| Ir (to go) | Ve | Go! |
| Poner (to put) | Pon | Put! |
| Salir (to leave) | Sal | Leave! |
| Ser (to be) | Sé | Be! |
| Venir (to come) | Ven | Come! |
| Decir (to say/tell) | Di | Say/Tell! |
| Dar (to give) | Da | Give! |
| Ver (to see) | Ve | See! |
| Lavar (to wash) | Lava | Wash! |
| Limpiar (to clean) | Limpia | Clean! |
| Barrer (to sweep) | Barre | Sweep! |
| Sacudir (to shake/dust) | Sacude | Shake/Dust! |
| Planchar (to iron) | Plancha | Iron! |
| Cocinar (to cook) | Cocina | Cook! |
As you can see, the majority of regular verbs follow the pattern of using the él/ella/usted form, but certain irregular verbs like hacer, tener, ir, poner, salir, ser, venir, decir, dar, and ver have unique command forms that must be memorized.
Tú Negative Commands
The following table provides examples of negative tú commands, demonstrating the use of the present subjunctive form.
| Verb (Infinitive) | Tú Negative Command | English 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! |
| Leer (to read) | No leas | Don’t read! |
| 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! |
| Volver (to return) | No vuelvas | Don’t return! |
| Hacer (to do/make) | No hagas | Don’t do/make! |
| Tener (to have) | No tengas | Don’t have! |
| 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! |
| Venir (to come) | No vengas | Don’t come! |
| Decir (to say/tell) | No digas | Don’t say/tell! |
| Dar (to give) | No des | Don’t give! |
| Ver (to see) | No veas | Don’t see! |
| Lavar (to wash) | No laves | Don’t wash! |
| Limpiar (to clean) | No limpies | Don’t clean! |
| Barrer (to sweep) | No barras | Don’t sweep! |
| Sacudir (to shake/dust) | No sacudas | Don’t shake/dust! |
| Planchar (to iron) | No planches | Don’t iron! |
| Cocinar (to cook) | No cocines | Don’t cook! |
Notice how the -ar verbs change to -es, and the -er/-ir verbs change to -as in the subjunctive form. The placement of “no” before the verb is essential for creating a negative command.
Usted Affirmative Commands
Here are examples of affirmative usted commands, all formed using the present subjunctive.
| Verb (Infinitive) | Usted Affirmative Command | English 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) |
| Leer (to read) | Lea | Read! (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! (formal) |
| Volver (to return) | Vuelva | Return! (formal) |
| Hacer (to do/make) | Haga | Do/Make! (formal) |
| Tener (to have) | Tenga | Have! (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) |
| Venir (to come) | Venga | Come! (formal) |
| Decir (to say/tell) | Diga | Say/Tell! (formal) |
| Dar (to give) | Dé | Give! (formal) |
| Ver (to see) | Vea | See! (formal) |
| Lavar (to wash) | Lave | Wash! (formal) |
| Limpiar (to clean) | Limpie | Clean! (formal) |
| Barrer (to sweep) | Barra | Sweep! (formal) |
| Sacudir (to shake/dust) | Sacuda | Shake/Dust! (formal) |
| Planchar (to iron) | Planche | Iron! (formal) |
| Cocinar (to cook) | Cocine | Cook! (formal) |
Observe how -ar verbs end in -e, and -er/-ir verbs end in -a. This pattern is consistent for all affirmative usted commands.
Usted Negative Commands
The table below shows examples of negative usted commands, combining “no” with the present subjunctive.
| Verb (Infinitive) | Usted Negative Command | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Hablar (to speak) | No hable | Don’t speak! (formal) |
| Comer (to eat) | No coma | Don’t eat! (formal) |
| Vivir (to live) | No viva | Don’t live! (formal) |
| Escribir (to write) | No escriba | Don’t write! (formal) |
| Leer (to read) | No lea | Don’t read! (formal) |
| Abrir (to open) | No abra | Don’t open! (formal) |
| Cerrar (to close) | No cierre | Don’t close! (formal) |
| Entender (to understand) | No entienda | Don’t understand! (formal) |
| Pedir (to ask for) | No pida | Don’t ask! (formal) |
| Volver (to return) | No vuelva | Don’t return! (formal) |
| Hacer (to do/make) | No haga | Don’t do/make! (formal) |
| Tener (to have) | No tenga | Don’t have! (formal) |
| Ir (to go) | No vaya | Don’t go! (formal) |
| Poner (to put) | No ponga | Don’t put! (formal) |
| Salir (to leave) | No salga | Don’t leave! (formal) |
| Ser (to be) | No sea | Don’t be! (formal) |
| Venir (to come) | No venga | Don’t come! (formal) |
| Decir (to say/tell) | No diga | Don’t say/tell! (formal) |
| Dar (to give) | No dé | Don’t give! (formal) |
| Ver (to see) | No vea | Don’t see! (formal) |
| Lavar (to wash) | No lave | Don’t wash! (formal) |
| Limpiar (to clean) | No limpie | Don’t clean! (formal) |
| Barrer (to sweep) | No barra | Don’t sweep! (formal) |
| Sacudir (to shake/dust) | No sacuda | Don’t shake/Dust! (formal) |
| Planchar (to iron) | No planche | Don’t iron! (formal) |
| Cocinar (to cook) | No cocine | Don’t cook! (formal) |
The structure is consistent: “no” followed by the present subjunctive form. The verb endings are the same as in the affirmative usted commands.
Pronoun Placement with Commands
Pronoun placement with commands varies depending on whether the command is affirmative or negative. With affirmative commands, pronouns are attached to the end of the verb.
With negative commands, pronouns precede the verb.
For example: Lava los platos. (Wash the dishes.) Becomes Lávalos. (Wash them.) But, No laves los platos. (Don’t wash the dishes.) Becomes No los laves. (Don’t wash them.)
Usage Rules
Irregular Tú Commands
As mentioned earlier, some verbs have irregular affirmative tú command forms. These must be memorized.
The most common irregular verbs are: decir (di), hacer (haz), ir (ve), poner (pon), salir (sal), ser (sé), tener (ten), and venir (ven). These verbs do follow the regular rules for negative commands, however.
Reflexive Verbs in Commands
When using reflexive verbs in commands, the reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nos, os, se) is attached to the end of affirmative commands and precedes the verb in negative commands. When attaching the reflexive pronoun to an affirmative command, an accent mark is often added to maintain the original stress.
For example: Levántate. (Get up.) No te levantes. (Don’t get up.) Siéntate. (Sit down.) No te sientes. (Don’t sit down.)
Pronoun Attachment Rules
When attaching pronouns to affirmative commands, follow these rules:
- If the verb has one syllable, no accent is needed (e.g., Da + me = Dame).
- If the verb has two or more syllables, add an accent to the original stressed syllable to maintain pronunciation (e.g., Lava + te = Lávate).
- When using two pronouns, the indirect object pronoun comes before the direct object pronoun (e.g., Da + me + lo = Dámelo).
Common Mistakes
One common mistake is using the infinitive form instead of the command form. Incorrect: Hablar! Correct: Habla! (Speak!)
Another frequent error is confusing the tú and usted forms. Incorrect: Come usted! (incorrect mix of informal and formal) Correct: Coma usted! (Eat, sir/madam!)
Forgetting the “no” in negative commands is also a common mistake. Incorrect: Hables! Correct: No hables! (Don’t speak!)
Using the wrong pronoun placement is another common error. Incorrect: No laves los te manos. Correct: No te laves las manos. (Don’t wash your hands.)
Finally, one of the biggest mistakes is not using the correct subjunctive form for the negative tú and formal usted commands. For example, saying “No comes” instead of “No comas” when telling someone not to eat is a common error.
Practice Exercises
Exercise 1: Tú Affirmative Commands
Convert the following infinitives into affirmative tú commands.
| Infinitive | Your Answer | Correct Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Cantar (to sing) | Canta | |
| Correr (to run) | Corre | |
| Subir (to go up) | Sube | |
| Escribir (to write) | Escribe | |
| Abrir (to open) | Abre | |
| Hacer (to do/make) | Haz | |
| Tener (to have) | Ten | |
| Ir (to go) | Ve | |
| Poner (to put) | Pon | |
| Salir (to leave) | Sal |
Exercise 2: Tú Negative Commands
Convert the following infinitives into negative tú commands.
| Infinitive | Your Answer | Correct Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Hablar (to speak) | No hables | |
| Comer (to eat) | No comas | |
| Vivir (to live) | No vivas | |
| Escribir (to write) | No escribas | |
| Abrir (to open) | No abras | |
| Hacer (to do/make) | No hagas | |
| Tener (to have) | No tengas | |
| Ir (to go) | No vayas | |
| Poner (to put) | No pongas | |
| Salir (to leave) | No salgas |
Exercise 3: Usted Affirmative Commands
Convert the following infinitives into affirmative usted commands.
| Infinitive | Your Answer | Correct Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Cantar (to sing) | Cante | |
| Correr (to run) | Corra | |
| Subir (to go up) | Suba | |
| Escribir (to write) | Escriba | |
| Abrir (to open) | Abra | |
| Hacer (to do/make) | Haga | |
| Tener (to have) | Tenga | |
| Ir (to go) | Vaya | |
| Poner (to put) | Ponga | |
| Salir (to leave) | Salga |
Exercise 4: Usted Negative Commands
Convert the following infinitives into negative usted commands.
| Infinitive | Your Answer | Correct Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Hablar (to speak) | No hable | |
| Comer (to eat) | No coma | |
| Vivir (to live) | No viva | |
| Escribir (to write) | No escriba | |
| Abrir (to open) | No abra | |
| Hacer (to do/make) | No haga | |
| Tener (to have) | No tenga | |
| Ir (to go) | No vaya | |
| Poner (to put) | No ponga | |
| Salir (to leave) | No salga |
Exercise 5: Mixed Commands
Translate the following sentences into Spanish, using the appropriate command form (tú or usted).
| English Sentence | Your Answer | Correct Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Eat! (to a friend) | Come | |
| Don’t speak! (to a stranger) | No hable | |
| Write! (to a student) | Escribe | |
| Don’t go! (to a parent) | No vaya | |
| Open the door! (to a child) | Abre la puerta | |
| Be careful! (to a friend) | Ten cuidado | |
| Don’t be late! (to your boss) | No llegue tarde | |
| Come here! (to a dog) | Ven aquí | |
| Say something! (to a colleague) | Di algo | |
| Don’t do that! (to a child) | No hagas eso |
Advanced Topics
Vosotros Commands (Spain)
In Spain, the vosotros form is used for informal plural commands. The affirmative vosotros command is formed by dropping the -r from the infinitive and adding -d (e.g., hablar -> hablad). Irregular verbs exist, but are less common. Negative vosotros commands use the present subjunctive (no habléis).
The use of vosotros is specific to Spain and may sound unusual in Latin America, where ustedes is used for both formal and informal plural commands.
Ustedes Commands
Ustedes commands are used for both formal and informal plural commands. They are formed using the
present subjunctive, just like usted commands, but using the ustedes form. The rules for pronoun placement are the same as with tú and usted commands.
For example: Hablen ustedes. (Speak, all of you.) No coman ustedes. (Don’t eat, all of you.) In Latin America, ustedes is the standard plural form, regardless of the level of formality.
FAQ
Q: How do I know when to use tú vs. usted?
A: Use tú with people you know well, such as friends and family. Use usted with people you don’t know well, elders, or people in positions of authority. If in doubt, it’s always better to err on the side of formality and use usted.
Q: What happens if I mix up the tú and usted forms?
A: Mixing up the forms can be seen as impolite or disrespectful. It’s essential to be aware of your relationship with the person you are addressing and choose the appropriate form accordingly.
Q: Are there any regional variations in the use of commands?
A: Yes, the use of vosotros commands is specific to Spain. In Latin America, ustedes is used for both formal and informal plural commands.
Q: How do I handle pronoun placement with multiple pronouns?
A: With affirmative commands, the indirect object pronoun comes before the direct object pronoun (e.g., Dámelo – Give it to me). With negative commands, both pronouns precede the verb (e.g., No me lo des – Don’t give it to me).
Q: What’s the best way to practice Spanish commands?
A: Practice regularly with exercises, flashcards, and real-life conversations. Pay attention to the context and the relationship between the speakers to choose the appropriate command form.
Conclusion
Mastering Spanish commands is essential for effective communication in Spanish. By understanding the difference between tú and usted commands, learning the irregular verb forms, and practicing pronoun placement, you can confidently give instructions, make requests, and express your desires in a culturally appropriate manner. Remember to consider your relationship with the person you are addressing and choose the appropriate level of formality. With consistent practice and attention to detail, you can master the nuances of Spanish imperative forms and enhance your fluency in the language.