Introduction to Spanish Commands (Imperatives): A Beginner’s Guide


Learning Spanish is exciting, but mastering commands (imperatives) is a crucial step for practical communication. Whether giving instructions, making requests, or offering advice, understanding how to use imperatives correctly will make your Spanish sound natural and confident. This guide breaks down the basics of Spanish commands, with examples, rules, and tips for learners at every level.

What Are Spanish Commands (Imperatives)?

In Spanish, imperatives are used to tell someone to do something. They are common in daily conversation, from casual instructions like “Sit down!” to polite requests such as “Please pass the salt.”

  • Positive commands: Tell someone to do something.

    • Example: ¡Come tus verduras! (Eat your vegetables!)

  • Negative commands: Tell someone not to do something.

    • Example: ¡No corras! (Don’t run!)

Understanding when and how to use each form is key to proper Spanish communication.

Forms of Spanish Commands

Spanish commands change depending on the person (tú, usted, ustedes, nosotros) and whether the command is affirmative or negative.

1. Tú (Informal “You”)

  • Affirmative: Use the third person singular form of the present tense.

    • Example: Habla (Speak), Escribe (Write)

  • Negative: Use no + subjunctive tú form.

    • Example: No hables (Don’t speak), No escribas (Don’t write)

2. Usted (Formal “You”)

  • Affirmative & Negative: Use the third person singular subjunctive.

    • Example: Hable (Speak), No hable (Don’t speak)

3. Ustedes (Plural “You”)

  • Affirmative & Negative: Use the third person plural subjunctive.

    • Example: Hablen (Speak), No hablen (Don’t speak)

4. Nosotros (We)

  • Affirmative & Negative: Use the first person plural subjunctive.

    • Example: Hablemos (Let’s speak), No hablemos (Let’s not speak)

Irregular Spanish Commands

Many commonly used verbs have irregular imperative forms. Some examples include:

Verb Tú Usted Ustedes Nosotros
Ir Ve Vaya Vayan Vamos
Ser Sé Sea Sean Seamos
Tener Ten Tenga Tengan Tengamos
Venir Ven Venga Vengan Vengamos

Tip: Memorizing irregular commands is essential because they appear frequently in everyday conversation.

Polite vs. Informal Commands

  • Informal (tú): Used with friends, family, or peers.

    • Example: Escucha (Listen)

  • Formal (usted): Used with strangers, elders, or in professional settings.

    • Example: Escuche (Listen)

Using the correct form shows respect and avoids misunderstandings.

Tips for Mastering Spanish Imperatives

  1. Practice in context: Give yourself daily tasks using commands, like telling someone to eat, study, or clean.

  2. Listen to native speakers: Commands are frequent in conversations, TV shows, and songs.

  3. Combine positive and negative forms: Practice saying both “Do this” and “Don’t do that” to solidify understanding.

  4. Use flashcards for irregular verbs: Repetition helps memorize the tricky ones.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using the wrong verb form (e.g., using present tense instead of imperative).

  • Forgetting “no” for negative commands.

  • Mixing tú and usted forms inappropriately.

  • Ignoring irregular verbs.

Correcting these mistakes early prevents confusion and helps your Spanish sound natural.

Conclusion

Spanish commands (imperatives) are a fundamental part of everyday language. From casual instructions to polite requests, mastering them allows you to communicate clearly and confidently. By understanding the forms, memorizing irregulars, and practicing regularly, you’ll be giving Spanish commands like a native speaker in no time.