The Imperative Mood (Affirmative Commands) of Reducir is used to give direct orders or instructions to reduce something, for example: Reduce la velocidad. (Reduce the speed.)

This verb follows the -cir to -zca spelling-changing conjugation pattern, where the c changes to zc before the endings are added.

Conjugations

Conjugations of Reducir (to reduce) in the Imperative Mood (Affirmative Commands) tense (Latin American Spanish):

Reducir generally means to make something smaller or less, but has several different meanings in the Imperative Mood (Affirmative Commands), some of which might surprise you.

To decrease or diminish: This is the most common meaning, referring to the act of making something smaller in size, amount, or intensity. For example, “Reduce la velocidad” (Reduce the speed).

To slim down or lose weight: In the context of physical appearance, it can mean to lose excess body weight or fat. For example, “Reduce esas lonjas” (Lose those love handles).

To simplify or summarize: It can also mean to make something more concise or easier to understand. For example, “Reduce la explicación a lo esencial” (Simplify the explanation to the essentials).

To subdue or control: In a more figurative sense, it can mean to bring something under control or to a more manageable state. For example, “Reduce tu enojo” (Control your anger).

To capture or imprison (colloquial): In some Latin American slang, it can mean to capture or imprison someone, often in a forceful or aggressive manner. For example, “Redúcelo a la fuerza” (Capture him by force).

Examples

Examples of Reducir in the Imperative Mood (Affirmative Commands)

¡Reduce la velocidad! Hay un control de tránsito adelante. (Slow down! There’s a traffic checkpoint ahead.)

Para ahorrar energía, reduzcamos el uso del aire acondicionado. (To save energy, let’s reduce the use of air conditioning.)

Señor, por favor reduzca el volumen de su música. Está molestando a los vecinos. (Sir, please reduce the volume of your music. You’re disturbing the neighbors.)

En la oficina, reduzcamos el uso de papel imprimiendo solo lo necesario. (At the office, let’s reduce paper use by only printing what’s necessary.)

Para bajar de peso, reduce las porciones de comida y haz más ejercicio. (To lose weight, reduce your food portions and exercise more.)

Jefe, ¿podemos reducir las horas extras este mes? El equipo está agotado. (Boss, can we reduce overtime this month? The team is exhausted.)

Amigos, reduzcamos nuestro impacto ambiental reciclando más y usando menos plástico. (Friends, let’s reduce our environmental impact by recycling more and using less plastic.)

Profesora, reduzca la cantidad de tarea para el fin de semana. Los estudiantes necesitan descansar. (Teacher, reduce the amount of homework for the weekend. Students need to rest.)

Hijo, reduce el tiempo que pasas en las redes sociales y concéntrate más en tus estudios. (Son, reduce the time you spend on social media and focus more on your studies.)

En esta crisis económica, reduzcamos los gastos innecesarios y ahorremos para lo esencial. (In this economic crisis, let’s reduce unnecessary expenses and save for essentials.)

Compañeros, reduzcan el estrés tomando descansos regulares y practicando técnicas de relajación. (Colleagues, reduce stress by taking regular breaks and practicing relaxation techniques.)

Para mejorar la calidad del aire, reduzcamos las emisiones de gases contaminantes. (To improve air quality, let’s reduce pollutant gas emissions.)

Equipo, reduzcan el desperdicio de alimentos planificando mejor las compras y aprovechando las sobras. (Team, reduce food waste by better planning your grocery shopping and using leftovers.)

Ciudadanos, reduzcamos el consumo de energía apagando las luces y los electrodomésticos cuando no se usen. (Citizens, let’s reduce energy consumption by turning off lights and appliances when not in use.)

Conjugations with English Translations

Conjugations of Reducir (to reduce) in the Imperative Mood (Affirmative Commands) tense (Latin American Spanish) with English Translations:

This post covers Latin American Spanish. For Castilian 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.