How do you create commands (imperatives) in Spanish?

There are two basic forms of imperatives, negative imperatives and positive imperatives, and these can be divided into informal (tú) and formal commands (ustedes/ vosotros).

Let's start with the positive imperatives in the informal 'tú' form. These are the easiest, as you just take the 3rd person form of the verb in the indicative. For example, hablar (to speak) becomes habla! (speak!). Comer (to eat) becomes come! (eat!). Some of the irregulars in this form of the imperative are decir (di), salir (sal), poner (pon), and tener (ten). 

Negative, informal imperatives become subjunctive. Don't speak would become No hables. Don't eat would become No comas. 

The subjunctive is also used for both sets of formal commands, positive or negative. Hablar is either hable! or no hablen! and comer becomes coma! or no coman!

That means you must know the subjunctive well to deal with commands, because all the irregulars stay the same, like ir would be no vayas! in the negative informal imperative.  

LC
Answered by Lauren C. Spanish tutor

3686 Views

See similar Spanish A Level tutors

Related Spanish A Level answers

All answers ▸

Qué hacer el fin de semana/ qué quieres hacer durante las vacaciones?


What are the subjunctive triggers?


When do you use the Preterite and the Imperfect?


Why should I avoid the Passive Voice in Spanish and how can I do this?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning