Affirmative commands in Spanish are all about giving clear instructions. Regular verbs follow easy-to-learn patterns for each subject pronoun (tú, usted, ustedes).
Key Points: Commands for Everyone
- Subject Matters: Commands change based on who you’re talking to (tú, usted, vosotros, ustedes).
- Tú = Present Indicative: For informal commands to a friend or someone you know well, use the third-person singular form of the present indicative.
- Usted & Ustedes = Present Subjunctive: For formal commands or when addressing someone with respect, use the present subjunctive.
Formation Rules: Regular Verbs Made Easy
1. Tú Commands: Keep it Simple
- Use the same form as the él/ella/usted form in the present tense.
Examples:
- Hablar (to speak) → Habla (Speak)
- Comer (to eat) → Come (Eat)
- Vivir (to live) → Vive (Live)
2. Usted Commands: Formal & Respectful
- Use the same form as the él/ella/usted form in the present subjunctive.
Examples:
- Hablar → Hable (Speak)
- Comer → Coma (Eat)
- Vivir → Viva (Live)
3. Ustedes Commands: Addressing a Group Formally
- Use the same form as the ellos/ellas/ustedes form in the present subjunctive.
Examples:
- Hablar → Hablen (Speak)
- Comer → Coman (Eat)
- Vivir → Vivan (Live)
4. Vosotros Commands: Informal & Spain-Specific
- Replace the -r at the end of the infinitive with a -d.
Examples:
- Hablar → Hablad (Speak)
- Comer → Comed (Eat)
- Vivir → Vivid (Live)
Commands in Action: Real-World Examples
- Tú: “Habla más despacio, por favor.” (Speak more slowly, please.)
- Usted: “Coma sus verduras, señor.” (Eat your vegetables, sir.)
- Ustedes: “Vivan el momento, chicos.” (Live in the moment, guys.)
Pro Tip: Remember, these rules are just for regular verbs. Irregular verbs dance to their own beat with commands!
Synonyms:
- English: Regular Verbs in Imperative Mood, Positive Commands, Direct Commands, Affirmative Imperatives
- Spanish: Verbos Regulares en Imperativo Afirmativo, Modo Imperativo Afirmativo, Mandatos Afirmativos, Órdenes Afirmativas