Spanish affirmative commands, or direct orders, often require specific spelling changes to keep pronunciation consistent. Let’s break down the key groups of verbs and their transformations in ‘tú’, ‘usted’, and ‘ustedes’ commands.
1. -CAR Verbs: Swap ‘c’ for ‘qu’
When giving commands with -CAR verbs to ‘usted’ or ‘ustedes’, change ‘c’ to ‘qu’ before an ‘e’.
Example: Sacar (to take out)
- Tú: Saca
- Usted: Saque
- Ustedes: Saquen
More examples:
- Tocar (to play): Toca la guitarra. (Tú) / Toque la puerta. (Usted)
- Buscar (to look for): Busca tus llaves. (Tú) / Busquen un restaurante. (Ustedes)
2. -GAR Verbs: Add a ‘u’
For -GAR verbs, change ‘g’ to ‘gu’ before an ‘e’ in ‘usted’ and ‘ustedes’ commands
Example: Pagar (to pay)
- Tú: Paga
- Usted: Pague
- Ustedes: Paguen
More examples:
- Llegar (to arrive): Llega a tiempo. (Tú) / Llegue antes de las 9. (Usted)
- Apagar (to turn off): Apaga la luz. (Tú) / Apaguen sus celulares. (Ustedes)
3. -ZAR Verbs: ‘z’ Becomes ‘c’
With -ZAR verbs, change ‘z’ to ‘c’ before an ‘e’ when addressing ‘usted’ or ‘ustedes’.
Example: Empezar (to begin)
- Tú: Empieza
- Usted: Empiece
- Ustedes: Empiecen
More examples:
- Analizar (to analyze): Analiza el problema. (Tú) / Analice los resultados. (Usted)
- Realizar (to carry out): Realiza tus sueños. (Tú) / Realicen el proyecto. (Ustedes)
4. -GER and -GIR Verbs: ‘g’ Transforms into ‘j’
In commands with -GER or -GIR verbs, change ‘g’ to ‘j’ before ‘a’ or ‘o’ for ‘usted’ and ‘ustedes’.
Example: Coger (to take)
- Tú: Coge
- Usted: Coja
- Ustedes: Cojan
Another example:
- Dirigir (to direct): Dirige el grupo. (Tú) / Dirija la reunión. (Usted)
5. -GUIR Verbs: Drop the ‘u’
When commanding with -GUIR verbs, simply omit the ‘u’ before ‘a’ or ‘o’ in ‘usted’ and ‘ustedes’ forms
Example: Distinguir (to distinguish)
- Tú: Distingue
- Usted: Distinga
- Ustedes: Distingan
Another example:
- Seguir (to follow): Sigue adelante. (Tú) / Sigan las instrucciones. (Ustedes)
6. -CER and -CIR Verbs: ‘c’ to ‘z’
For -CER and -CIR verbs, change ‘c’ to ‘z’ before ‘a’ or ‘o’ when using ‘usted’ or ‘ustedes’.
Example: Conocer (to know)
- Tú: Conoce
- Usted: Conozca
- Ustedes: Conozcan
Another example:
- Traducir (to translate): Traduce el documento. (Tú) / Traduzca esta frase. (Usted)
7. -UIR Verbs: Add a ‘y’
Finally, with -UIR verbs, add a ‘y’ before the ending in all command forms.
Example: Construir (to build)
- Tú: Construye
- Usted: Construya
- Ustedes: Construyan
Another example:
- Incluir (to include): Incluye todos los detalles. (Tú) / Incluyan esta información. (Ustedes)
Key Points to Remember
- These spelling changes ensure correct pronunciation.
- The ‘tú’ form follows present indicative spelling changes.
- The ‘usted’ and ‘ustedes’ forms follow present subjunctive spelling changes
- The ‘vosotros’ form typically doesn’t have spelling changes
- Practice is key to mastering these changes.
By understanding and practicing these spelling changes, you’ll give commands like a native speaker. Remember, language learning is a journey, so keep practicing and immersing yourself in Spanish to solidify your skills. ¡Buena suerte!
Synonyms:
- English: Orthographic-Changing Verbs in Imperative Mood, Positive Commands, Direct Commands, Affirmative Imperatives
- Spanish: Verbos con Cambios Ortográficos en Imperativo Afirmativo, Modo Imperativo Afirmativo, Mandatos Afirmativos, Órdenes Afirmativas