The Imperative Mood (Affirmative Commands) of Estar is used to give direct orders or instructions, for example Está aquí. (Be here.)

Estar is an irregular verb, meaning its conjugations do not follow the typical patterns of regular verbs.

Conjugations

Conjugations of Estar (to be) in the Imperative Mood (Affirmative Commands) tense (Castilian Spanish):

Estar generally means “to be” in a temporary state or condition, but has several different meanings in the Imperative Mood (Affirmative Commands), some of which might surprise you.

Location: For example, Está aquí (Be here). This usage indicates where someone or something should be located.

Condition or state: For example, Estad preparados (Be prepared). This conveys that someone should be in a particular condition or state.

Temporary action: For example, Estén atentos (Be attentive). This instructs someone to engage in a temporary action or activity.

Emotion or feeling: For example, Estad contentos (Be happy). This expresses that someone should experience a particular emotion or feeling.

Idiomatic usage: For example, Está al loro (Be on the lookout, be aware). This is an idiomatic expression meaning to be vigilant or watchful.

Slang or rude usage: For example, Está calladito (Shut up, be quiet). This rude command tells someone to be quiet or stop talking, often in an impolite or aggressive way.

Examples

Examples of Estar in the Imperative Mood (Affirmative Commands)

¡Está atento a las instrucciones! (Pay attention to the instructions!)

Por favor, estén listos para salir en 10 minutos. (Please be ready to leave in 10 minutes.)

Mamá, estemos agradecidos por lo que tenemos. (Mom, let’s be grateful for what we have.)

Amigos, estad tranquilos, todo saldrá bien. (Friends, be calm, everything will be alright.)

Señor, esté cómodo y siéntase como en casa. (Sir, make yourself comfortable and feel at home.)

Oye Juan, está al tiro con esa actitud. (Hey Juan, cut it out with that attitude.)

Chicos, estén atentos al camino cuando vayamos de excursión. (Kids, be aware of the path when we go on the hike.)

Compañeros, estemos unidos y apoyémonos mutuamente. (Colleagues, let’s stay united and support each other.)

¡Está pilas! No te distraigas en el trabajo. (Stay sharp! Don’t get distracted at work.)

Vecinos, estén pendientes de cualquier actividad sospechosa. (Neighbors, be on the lookout for any suspicious activity.)

Equipo, estad enfocados en el objetivo final. (Team, stay focused on the end goal.)

Hija, esté segura de tomar decisiones sabias. (Daughter, be sure to make wise decisions.)

¡Está listo para la aventura que te espera! (Be ready for the adventure that awaits you!)

Clase, estemos abiertos a nuevas ideas y perspectivas. (Class, let’s be open to new ideas and perspectives.)

Amigos, estad presentes en el momento y disfrutad la vida. (Friends, be present in the moment and enjoy life.)

Conjugations with English Translations

Conjugations of Estar (to be) in the Imperative Mood (Affirmative Commands) tense (Castilian Spanish) with English Translations:

This post covers Castilian Spanish. For Latin American Spanish, click here

Synonyms

The Imperative mood is also known as the Command Form, Affirmative Command Mood, or Direct Command Form in English, and as Modo Imperativo, Imperativo Afirmativo, Mandatos Afirmativos, or Forma de Mandato in Spanish.