8.7.2

Negative Imperative

Test yourself

Negative Imperative

When negative, the imperative is formed the same way as the present subjunctive.

Illustrative background for AR verbsIllustrative background for AR verbs ?? "content

AR verbs

  • No hables - singular informal.
  • No habléis - plural informal.
  • No hable - singular formal.
  • No hablen - plural formal.
  • No hablemos - nosotros.
Illustrative background for ER verbsIllustrative background for ER verbs ?? "content

ER verbs

  • No corras - singular informal.
  • No corráis - plural informal.
  • No corra - singular formal.
  • No corran - plural formal.
  • No corramos - nosotros.
Illustrative background for IR verbsIllustrative background for IR verbs ?? "content

IR verbs

  • No subas - singular informal.
  • No subáis - plural informal.
  • No suba - singular formal.
  • No suban - plural formal.
  • No subamos - nosotros.

Imperative

The imperative is used to give commands or orders.

Illustrative background for FormsIllustrative background for Forms ?? "content

Forms

  • The imperative has four forms:
    • Tú, Usted, Vosotros/as, Ustedes.
  • The 'tú' and 'vosotros/as forms are used informally.
  • The informal terms come across as friendlier and often don't have exclamation marks.
Illustrative background for Forming the imperativeIllustrative background for Forming the imperative ?? "content

Forming the imperative

  • The 'tú' form is the same as the 'él/ella' form of the present tense.
    • E.g. ¡Aprende español!
      • Learn Spanish! (you singular).
  • The 'vosotros' form is formed by taking the infinitive, removing the 'r' and adding a 'd'.
    • E.g. ¡Aprended español!
      • Learn Spanish! (you plural).
Illustrative background for An exampleIllustrative background for An example ?? "content

An example

  • The conjugation for 'hablar' (to speak) in the imperative is:
    • Habla - singular informal (tú).
    • Hablad - plural informal (vosotros/as).
    • Hable - singular formal (usted).
    • Hablen - plural formal (ustedes).
Illustrative background for Let'sIllustrative background for Let's ?? "content

Let's

  • You use the 'nosotros/as' form of the imperative to say 'let or let's do something'.
  • It is exactly the same as the 'nosotros' form of the present subjunctive for er, ar and ir verbs.
    • E.g. Compremos las entradas para el cine.
      • Let's buy tickets for the cinema.
Illustrative background for Negative imperativeIllustrative background for Negative imperative ?? "content

Negative imperative

  • When negative, the imperative is formed the same way as the present subjunctive.
  • E.g. the conjugation for 'hablar' (to speak) in the negative imperative is:
    • No hables - sigular informal.
    • No habléis - plural informal.
    • No hable - singular formal.
    • No hablen - plural formal.

Jump to other topics

1The Basics

2Current & Future Study & Employment

2.1School & Subjects

2.2School & Subjects - Translations (Foundation)

2.3School & Subjects - Translations (Higher)

2.4Education Post - 16

2.5Education Post - 16 - Translations (Foundation)

2.6Education Post - 16 - Translations (Higher)

3Identity & Culture

3.1Me, My Family & Friends

3.2Me, Family & Friends - Translations (Foundation)

3.3Me, Family & Friends - Translations (Higher)

3.4Technology in Everyday Life

3.5Tech in Everyday Life - Translations (Foundation)

3.6Tech in Everyday Life - Translations (Higher)

3.7Free Time Activities

3.8Free Time Activities - Translations (Foundation)

3.9Free Time Activities - Translations (Higher)

3.10Customs & Festivals in Spanish Speaking Countries

3.11Customs & Festivals - Translations (Foundation)

3.12Customs & Festivals - Translations (Higher)

4Areas of Interest

4.1Home, Town, Neighbourhood & Region

4.2Home & Region - Translations (Foundation)

4.3Home & Region - Translations (Higher)

4.4Social Issues

4.5Social Issues - Translations (Foundation)

4.6Social Issues - Translations (Higher)

4.7Global Issues

4.8Global Issues - Translations

4.9Travel & Tourism

4.10Travel & Tourism - Translations

5Listening Practice

6Common Tenses

7Important Verbs

8Advanced Tenses

9Extra Grammar

9.1Articles

9.2Negatives

9.3Nouns

9.4Asking Questions

9.5Adjectives

9.6Adverbs

9.7Conjunctions

9.8Pronouns

9.9By, With, From, Of

9.10Verbs

9.11Comparisons

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson