When you need to tell someone not to do something in Spanish, you’ll often encounter irregular verbs negative commands. While regular verbs follow predictable patterns, irregular verbs have their own unique forms that you’ll need to memorize.
Essential Irregular Verbs and Their Forms
Here are the most common irregular verbs you’ll encounter in LATAM Spanish and beyond:
High-Frequency Verbs
- ir (to go) → no vayas
- ser (to be) → no seas
- estar (to be) → no estés
- haber (to have) → no hayas
- saber (to know) → no sepas
- dar (to give) → no des
Common Stem-Changing Verbs
- tener (to have) → no tengas
- venir (to come) → no vengas
- decir (to say/tell) → no digas
- poner (to put) → no pongas
- salir (to leave) → no salgas
- hacer (to do/make) → no hagas
Real-World Examples
Let’s see these verbs in action with practical examples:
- “Don’t be lazy!” → ¡No seas perezoso!
- “Don’t go there!” → ¡No vayas allí!
- “Don’t put it there!” → ¡No lo pongas allí!
- “Don’t tell him!” → ¡No le digas!
- “Don’t have doubts!” → ¡No tengas dudas!
- “Don’t be late!” → ¡No estés tarde!
Key Pattern Recognition
Most irregular verbs in negative commands follow their present subjunctive form. The formula is simple: no + irregular present subjunctive = negative command
Common Contexts
You’ll frequently encounter these forms in:
- Parent-child interactions
- Emergency situations
- Professional settings
- Warning signs
- Social media posts
- Text messages
Regional Variations
In LATAM Spanish, some regions have unique preferences:
- Argentina/Uruguay: More frequent use of “no te vayas” over “no te vas”
- Mexico: Common use of “no seas” in idiomatic expressions
- Caribbean: Preference for “no estés” in casual speech
Special Cases and Exceptions
Some verbs have additional irregular patterns:
- Reflexive verbs maintain irregularity: no te vayas (don’t leave)
- Compound verbs follow the main verb’s pattern: no sobrevengas (don’t overcome)
- Pronominal forms keep the irregularity: no te lo pongas (don’t put it on)
Cultural Considerations
Negative commands in Spanish-speaking cultures often carry different weight than in English:
- They can express care and concern: ¡No vayas solo!” (Don’t go alone!)
- They might show affection: ¡No seas así!” (Don’t be like that!)
- They can be part of common expressions: ¡No me digas!” (You don’t say!)
Remember that mastering irregular verbs negative commands in LATAM Spanish and beyond isn’t just about memorizing forms—it’s about understanding when and how to use them effectively in real communication.