Negative commands with -er verbs are a fundamental part of Spanish communication. Let’s break down the pattern for these verbs and learn how to express prohibitions effectively.
Forming Negative Commands for -er Verbs
To form negative commands for regular -er verbs:
- Start with “no”: This negates the command.
- Use the present subjunctive form of the verb: This is crucial for correct conjugation.
The subjunctive endings for -er verbs are:
- -a, -as, -a, -amos, -áis, -an
Conjugation Pattern
- tú: no + [stem] + as
- usted: no + [stem] + a
- nosotros: no + [stem] + amos
- vosotros: no + [stem] + áis
- ustedes: no + [stem] + an
Examples in Action
- comer (to eat):
- No comas con la boca abierta. (Don’t eat with your mouth open.)
- No coma aquí, por favor. (Don’t eat here, please.)
- No comamos antes de la película. (Let’s not eat before the movie.)
- No comáis toda la tarta. (Don’t eat all the cake.)
- No coman demasiado rápido. (Don’t eat too quickly.)
Other -er verbs:
- beber (to drink): No bebas alcohol si vas a conducir. (Don’t drink alcohol if you’re going to drive.)
- aprender (to learn): No aprendamos de memoria, entendamos el concepto. (Let’s not learn by heart, let’s understand the concept.)
- vender (to sell): No vendan el coche todavía. (Don’t sell the car yet.)
Usage Notes
- “Tú” Form: Remember that the “tú” form in negative commands differs from affirmative commands. Always use the subjunctive form in negative commands.
- Reflexive Verbs: Place the reflexive pronoun before the verb: No te escondas de mí. (Don’t hide from me.)
- Object Pronouns: Place object pronouns before the verb: No lo vendas ahora. (Don’t sell it now.)
- Irregular Verbs: Some common -er verbs are irregular in the subjunctive and therefore in negative commands (e.g., hacer, saber, ser).
Synonyms:
- English: Regular -ER Negative Imperative, Negative Commands, Negative Imperatives, Prohibitive Imperatives Verbs
- Spanish: Verbos Regulares en -ER en Mandatos Negativos, Imperativos Negativos, Prohibiciones, Órdenes Negativas, Comandos Negativos, Subjuntivo Negativo, Presente de Subjuntivo Negativo, Imperativo Negativo