Mastering Nosotros Commands: The Friendly Way to Say "Let’s Do It!" in Spanish


Have you ever wanted to suggest a plan to a group of friends in Spanish, like "Let’s go to the beach!" or "Let’s eat at that new restaurant"? If so, you are looking for the nosotros command. In English, we simply add the word "let's" before a verb. In Spanish, we use a specific conjugation that blends the power of a command with the togetherness of a group suggestion.

Mastering the nosotros command is a fantastic way to sound more fluent and inclusive. Whether you are leading a business meeting, organizing a family dinner, or just hanging out with friends, using "let's" makes your Spanish feel natural and proactive.

How to Form Affirmative Nosotros Commands

The most common way to form a nosotros command is by using the present subjunctive form of the verb for nosotros.

The Simple Formula:

  1. Go to the "yo" form of the present indicative.

  2. Drop the -o.

  3. Add the opposite ending for nosotros:

    • For -ar verbs: add -emos.

    • For -er and -ir verbs: add -amos.

Examples:

VerbMeaningNosotros CommandEnglish Translation
HablarTo speakHablemosLet's speak
ComerTo eatComamosLet's eat
EscribirTo writeEscribamosLet's write
BailarTo danceBailemosLet's dance

The Big Exception: The Verb "Ir"

The verb ir (to go) is a special case. While the formal subjunctive command would be vayamos, in everyday spoken Spanish, we almost always use the present indicative form for the affirmative:

  • ¡Vamos! (Let's go!)

However, if you are making a negative command (Let's not go), you must switch back to the subjunctive:

  • No vayamos. (Let's not go.)

Negative Nosotros Commands

Forming a negative nosotros command is very straightforward. You simply put the word "no" in front of the subjunctive form we just learned.

  • No hablemos (Let's not talk)

  • No comamos (Let's not eat)

  • No perdamos el tiempo (Let's not waste time)

Stem-Changing Verbs: What You Need to Know

In the nosotros form of the subjunctive, stem changes behave differently depending on the verb type:

  1. -ar and -er verbs: These do not have a stem change in the nosotros command.

    • Pensar (e $\rightarrow$ ie) $\rightarrow$ Pensemos (Let's think)

    • Volver (o $\rightarrow$ ue) $\rightarrow$ Volvamos (Let's return)

  2. -ir verbs: These do have a "shadow" stem change where e changes to i, and o changes to u.

    • Dormir (o $\rightarrow$ ue) $\rightarrow$ Durmamos (Let's sleep)

    • Pedir (e $\rightarrow$ i) $\rightarrow$ Pidamos (Let's ask/order)

    • Sentir (e $\rightarrow$ ie) $\rightarrow$ Sintamos (Let's feel)

Adding Pronouns (Reflexive and Object Pronouns)

This is where it gets a bit more technical, but once you see the pattern, it’s quite logical.

Affirmative Commands with Pronouns

When you add a pronoun (like nos or se) to an affirmative nosotros command, you attach it to the end of the verb. When you attach "nos", you must drop the final -s of the verb ending to make it easier to pronounce.

  • Levantarse (To get up): Levantemos + nos $\rightarrow$ Levantémonos (Let's get up)

  • Sentarse (To sit down): Sentemos + nos $\rightarrow$ Sentémonos (Let's sit down)

  • Escribirla (To write it): Escribámosla (Let's write it)

Note: Notice the accent mark! When you attach a pronoun to the end, you usually need to add an accent to maintain the original stress of the verb.

Negative Commands with Pronouns

In negative commands, the pronouns are never attached. They stay separate and sit between the "no" and the verb.

  • No nos levantemos (Let's not get up)

  • No se lo digamos (Let's not tell it to them)

The "Vamos a + Infinitive" Alternative

If the subjunctive feels a bit heavy for a casual conversation, there is a very popular shortcut. Just like in English where we say "We are going to eat," you can use:

"Vamos a + [Infinitive]"

  • Vamos a comer. (Let's eat / We are going to eat.)

  • Vamos a ver. (Let's see.)

This is incredibly common in daily life and is a safe bet if you are still getting comfortable with subjunctive endings.

Real-World Examples for Your Daily Life

Imagine you are in a Spanish-speaking environment. Here is how you would use these commands:

At a Restaurant

  • "Pidamos la cuenta." (Let's ask for the check.)

  • "Compartamos el postre." (Let's share the dessert.)

Planning a Trip

  • "Busquemos un hotel barato." (Let's look for a cheap hotel.)

  • "Salgamos temprano por la mañana." (Let's leave early in the morning.)

Working with a Team

  • "Empecemos la reunión." (Let's start the meeting.)

  • "Trabajemos juntos en este proyecto." (Let's work together on this project.)

Quick Reference Summary Table

Verb TypeAffirmativeNegative
-AR Verbs-emosno ... -emos
-ER Verbs-amosno ... -amos
-IR Verbs-amosno ... -amos
Reflexive-émonosno nos ... -emos/amos

Tips for Remembering the Nosotros Command

  1. Think of the Opposite: Remember that nosotros commands love the "opposite" vowel. If the verb ends in -AR, use "e". If it ends in -ER/-IR, use "a".

  2. Use "Vamos" for Speed: If you are in a hurry, "Vamos a + Verb" works for almost any situation.

  3. The "S" Rule: Always remember to drop the "s" before adding "nos" (e.g., ¡Cocinemos! $\rightarrow$ ¡Cocinémonos!).

By practicing these forms, you become a bridge-builder in your conversations, inviting others to join you in whatever you are doing. It’s a polite, energetic, and highly effective way to communicate.



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