The Imperative Mood (Affirmative Commands) of Leer is used to give direct orders or instructions related to reading, for example Lee el libro. (Read the book.)

Leer is a regular -er verb, so its Imperative conjugations follow the typical pattern for this verb class.

Conjugations

Conjugations of Leer (to read) in the Imperative Mood (Affirmative Commands) tense (Castilian Spanish):

Leer generally means “to read”, but has several different meanings in the Imperative Mood (Affirmative Commands), some of which might surprise you.

To read: The most common meaning, for example, ¡Lee este libro! (Read this book!)

To interpret or understand: For example, ¡Lee entre líneas! (Read between the lines!)

To study or examine: For example, ¡Lee las instrucciones con cuidado! (Read the instructions carefully!)

Colloquial usage (rude): In some contexts, it can mean “to understand” in a dismissive or rude way, for example, ¡Lee, tonto! (Get it, you idiot!)

Examples

Examples of Leer in the Imperative Mood (Affirmative Commands)

¡Lee las instrucciones antes de empezar! (Read the instructions before starting!)

Para aprender un idioma nuevo, leamos libros y artículos en ese idioma. (To learn a new language, let’s read books and articles in that language.)

Mamá, lee este libro de recetas conmigo. (Mom, read this cookbook with me.)

Antes de viajar, lean sobre la cultura y las costumbres locales. (Before traveling, read about the local culture and customs.)

En la reunión, leed los informes con atención. (At the meeting, read the reports carefully.)

Para mantenerse informado, lea las noticias todos los días. (To stay informed, read the news every day.)

En la clase de literatura, leamos y analicemos esta novela clásica. (In literature class, let’s read and analyze this classic novel.)

Para mejorar tu vocabulario, lee en voz alta todos los días. (To improve your vocabulary, read aloud every day.)

Antes de firmar el contrato, lean detenidamente los términos y condiciones. (Before signing the contract, read the terms and conditions carefully.)

¿Puedes leer este párrafo en voz alta para practicar tu pronunciación? (Can you read this paragraph aloud to practice your pronunciation?)

En la biblioteca, lean en silencio y respeten a los demás. (At the library, read silently and respect others.)

Para mantenerse al día con las tendencias, lea blogs y revistas de moda. (To keep up with trends, read fashion blogs and magazines.)

Antes de acostarse, leamos un cuento a los niños. (Before bedtime, let’s read a story to the kids.)

En la clase de español, leed este diálogo en parejas. (In Spanish class, read this dialogue in pairs.)

Conjugations with English Translations

Conjugations of Leer (to read) 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.