The Imperative Mood (El Imperativo)

Commands in Spanish change depending on who you are talking to and whether you are telling them to do something or not to do something.

Who are you talking to? (The 3 Options)

1. Tú (Informal)

Used for friends, family, children, and people your own age. The most common way to give a command in daily life.

2. Usted (Formal)

Used to show respect to elders, strangers, or in professional business settings.

3. Vosotros (Plural)

Used when talking to a group of people informally. (Note: Primarily used in Spain. Latin America uses 'Ustedes').

Positive Commands (Do it!)

Let's look at the regular verb Esperar (To wait).

  • Tú:
    ¡Espera! Wait! (to a friend)
  • Usted:
    ¡Espere! Wait! (formal)
  • Vosotros:
    ¡Esperad! Wait! (to a group)

Negative Commands (Don't do it!)

For negative commands, the rules change! We use the Present Subjunctive endings.

  • Tú:
    ¡No esperes! Don't wait!
  • Usted:
    ¡No espere! Don't wait! (formal)
  • Vosotros:
    ¡No esperéis! Don't wait! (group)

What about Irregular Verbs?

Just like in English, the most commonly used verbs in Spanish are irregular. Verbs like Hacer (to do), Decir (to say), and Ir (to go) have their own unique forms when giving commands. To truly sound like a native, you need to master these!

Example: Hacer (To do) → ¡Haz! (Do it!) / ¡No hagas! (Don't do it!)

Master the Imperative: Deep Dive Lessons

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A) Must-Know Irregulars

The top 20 irregular commands used in everyday Spanish conversation.

• ¡Cuenta conmigo! (Count on me)

• ¡Hazme caso! (Pay attention to me)

• ¡No te vayas! (Don't leave)

• ¡Ven aquí! (Come here)

• ¡No me digas! (Don't tell me / You don't say!)

B) The "Go" Verbs

Verbs that have a "g" in their root. Learn how they behave in commands.

• Tener: ¡Ten cuidado! (Be careful)

• Tener: ¡No tengas miedo! (Don't be afraid)

• Poner: ¡Pon la mesa! (Set the table)

C) Reflexive Verbs & Pronouns

The tricky part: Where do the pronouns go? (Attached vs. Separate).

• Pos: ¡Siéntate! (Sit down!)

• Neg: ¡No te preocupes! (Don't worry!)

• Pos: ¡Lávate las manos! (Wash your hands!)

D) Phrasal & Idiomatic Commands

Phrases that change meaning when combined with certain words.

• Dar: ¡Date prisa! (Hurry up!)

• Hacer: ¡No me hagas caso! (Ignore me!)

• Echar: ¡Échame una mano! (Give me a hand!)