Gain confidence in expressing prohibitions, offering advice, and making suggestions in Spanish by mastering the art of negative commands. This guide focuses on regular -ar verbs, the most common type in the Spanish language.
What are Negative Commands?
Negative commands are used to tell someone not to do something. They are essential for conveying prohibitions, warnings, and advice.
Constructing Negative Commands with -ar Verbs
Forming negative commands for regular -ar verbs is simple:
- Start with “no”: This word indicates the negative nature of the command.
- Use the present subjunctive form of the verb: This is where the magic happens! The present subjunctive endings for -ar verbs are:
| Subject Pronoun | Ending |
|---|---|
| (tú) | -es |
| (usted) | -e |
| (nosotros/nosotras) | -emos |
| (vosotros/vosotras) | -éis |
| (ustedes) | -en |
Example: “hablar” (to speak)
| Subject Pronoun | Negative Command |
|---|---|
| (tú) | No hables |
| (usted) | No hable |
| (nosotros/nosotras) | No hablemos |
| (vosotros/vosotras) | No habléis |
| (ustedes) | No hablen |
Important Notes
- One Form for Informal and Formal: Unlike affirmative commands, negative commands use the same form for both informal (“tú”) and formal (“usted”) address.
- Including the Speaker: The “nosotros” form can be used for suggestions or prohibitions that include the speaker.
- Beyond Commands: These forms are versatile and can be used for advice, requests, and other negative imperative situations.
Practice with Common -ar Verbs
- cantar (to sing): No cantes tan alto. (Don’t sing so loudly.)
- mirar (to look): No mires ahora. (Don’t look now.)
- estudiar (to study): No estudies toda la noche. (Don’t study all night.)
Common Expressions with Negative Commands
- No te preocupes. (Don’t worry.)
- No hables con la boca llena. (Don’t talk with your mouth full.)
- No llames tarde. (Don’t call late.)
Why Master Negative Commands?
By mastering negative commands, you’ll:
- Express prohibitions clearly and effectively.
- Give advice and warnings with confidence.
- Make suggestions and requests in a respectful way.
- Navigate social interactions with ease.
- Understand and respond to negative commands given to you.
Synonyms:
- English: Regular -AR Negative Commands, Negative Imperatives, Prohibitive Imperatives Verbs
- Spanish: Verbos Regulares en -AR en Mandatos Negativos, Imperativos Negativos, Prohibiciones, Órdenes Negativas, Comandos Negativos, Subjuntivo Negativo, Presente de Subjuntivo Negativo, Imperativo Negativo