The affirmative imperative is used to give direct orders, instructions, or advice. Only specific forms are used for commands:
| Subject | Verb Ending (-ar) | Verb Ending (-er/-ir) | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tú | -a | -e / -i | Informal singular command |
| Usted | -e | -a | Formal singular command |
| Nosotros | -emos | -amos | Let's... (inclusive) |
| Vosotros* | -ad | -ed | Informal plural (Spain) |
| Ustedes | -an | -an | Formal/plural command |
\ Vosotros is mainly used in Spain.*
Examples:
- Hablar (to speak):
- Tú: Habla
- Usted: Hable
- Nosotros: Hablemos
- Vosotros: Hablad
- Ustedes: Hablen
- Comer (to eat):
- Tú: Come
- Usted: Coma
- Nosotros: Comamos
- Vosotros: Comed
- Ustedes: Coman
- Vivir (to live):
- Tú: Vive
- Usted: Viva
- Nosotros: Vivamos
- Vosotros: Vivid
- Ustedes: Vivan
- Imperative Mood
Spanish Affirmative Commands
- Use the verb stem + new endings for commands.
- For -ar verbs: the tú form ends in -a (not -as).
- For -er/-ir verbs: the tú form ends in -e/-i (not -es/-is).
- For regular verbs, think "opposite endings" for formal and plural:
- Persons:
| Pronoun | -ar | -er/-ir | Example (Tú) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tú | -a | -e / -i | Habla / Come / Vive |
| Usted | -e | -a | Hable / Coma / Viva |
| Nosotros | -emos | -amos | Hablemos / Comamos / Vivamos |
| Vosotros | -ad | -ed | Hablad / Comed / Vivid |
| Ustedes | -an | -an | Hablen / Coman / Vivan |
Examples
Regular Verbs
Hablar (to speak)
- Tú: Habla
- Usted: Hable
- Nosotros: Hablemos
- Vosotros: Hablad
- Ustedes: Hablen
Comer (to eat)
- Tú: Come
- Usted: Coma
- Nosotros: Comamos
- Vosotros: Comed
- Ustedes: Coman
Vivir (to live)
- Tú: Vive
- Usted: Viva
- Nosotros: Vivamos
- Vosotros: Vivid
- Ustedes: Vivan
Exercise 1
Conjugate the verbs bailar (to dance), beber (to drink), and escribir (to write) as affirmative commands for tú, usted, nosotros, and ustedes.
For 'bailar' (an -ar verb), the 'tú' affirmative command is 'Baila'.
For 'beber' and 'escribir', 'usted' commands are 'Beba' and 'Escriba'.
Exercise 2
Write affirmative commands for tú and usted for the verbs viajar (to travel), prender (to turn on), and pedir (to ask for/order).
Conclusion
Affirmative commands are essential for giving instructions and are formed by changing verb endings based on the subject and verb type (-ar, -er, -ir).
- Use specific endings for each subject (tú, usted, nosotros, etc.).
- Remember the "opposites" rule for formal and plural commands.
- Practice with common verbs to build fluency.