Need to give directions in Spanish? Want to sound authoritative (but not bossy) when managing your team in Madrid? The imperative mood is your go-to tool for giving instructions and commands in Spanish. Whether you’re telling your taxi driver to turn left or asking your friends to pass the guacamole, mastering Spanish commands will make your instructions crystal clear!

What is the Imperative Mood?

The imperative mood (or modo imperativo) is what we use to give commands or instructions in Spanish. Unlike English, Spanish has specific verb forms for commands, making your instructions clearer and more natural-sounding. Today, we’re focusing on affirmative commands – telling people what to do, rather than what not to do.

When to Use the Imperative

1. Giving directions:
   “Gira a la derecha”
   (Turn right)
2. Making requests:
   “Pasa la sal, por favor”
   (Pass the salt, please)
3. Offering advice:
   “Estudia más”
   (Study more)
4. Giving instructions:
   “Abre la ventana”
   (Open the window)

Forming the Imperative

Regular Forms (tú commands)

• -AR verbs: Drop -ar, add -a
  Hablar → ¡Habla!
• -ER verbs: Drop -er, add -e
  Comer → ¡Come!
• -IR verbs: Drop -ir, add -e
  Vivir → ¡Vive!

Usted/Ustedes Forms

For formal commands, use the present subjunctive form:

• “Pase por aquí, señor”
  (Come this way, sir)
• “Esperen un momento, por favor”
  (Wait a moment, please)

Common Irregular Commands

• Ir (to go) → ¡Ve!
• Ser (to be) → ¡Sé!
• Hacer (to do/make) → ¡Haz!
• Poner (to put) → ¡Pon!
• Salir (to leave) → ¡Sal!

Real-Life Examples

1. In the Workplace

“Escribe el informe antes de las cinco.”
(Write the report before five.)

2. At Restaurants

“Traiga la cuenta, por favor.”
(Bring the bill, please.)

3. Giving Directions

“Sigue todo recto y gira a la izquierda.”
(Go straight ahead and turn left.)

Making Commands Polite

1. Add “por favor”:
   “Ayúdame, por favor”
   (Help me, please)
2. Use softer expressions:
   “¿Puedes cerrar la puerta?”
   (Can you close the door?)
3. Add courtesy phrases:
   “Si no te importa, llama más tarde”
   (If you don’t mind, call later)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Don’t use the infinitive for commands:
   ❌ “¡Comer ahora!”
   ✅ “¡Come ahora!”
2. Remember irregular forms:
   ❌ “¡Sale!”
   ✅ “¡Sal!”

Ready to Level Up Your Spanish?

Take command of Spanish imperatives with our comprehensive resources! Explore our complete guide to Spanish commands for more examples and practice exercises. Need help with specific verbs? Learn how to give commands with Estar in Latin American Spanish or Estar in Castilian Spanish. Master those tricky irregular verbs like Ser in Latin American Spanish and Ser in Castilian Spanish. With our practical examples and exercises, you’ll be giving natural-sounding Spanish commands in no time. ¡Practiquemos!