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Tense guide
Imperativo afirmativo (Imperative (affirmative))

Language: Spanish
Tense:
Person:

Practice conjugation drills

Introduction

This verb form is used to tell someone directly to do something. You use it to give commands, make requests, or offer suggestions. It is the "do this" form of a verb.

The most common use is to give a direct order or command. This is a strong and clear way to tell someone what you want them to do.

Haz la cama ahora.
(Make the bed now.)
Cierra la ventana.
(Close the window.)
Vengan aquí.
(Come here. - to a group)
Dígame la verdad.
(Tell me the truth. - speaking respectfully)
Escuchad con atención.
(Listen carefully. - speaking to a group in Spain)

You can also use this form to make a polite request. Adding words like "por favor" or using a softer tone of voice makes it a request instead of a command.

Pásame la sal, por favor.
(Pass me the salt, please.)
Ayúdame con esto, por favor.
(Help me with this, please.)
Espere un momento, por favor.
(Wait a moment, please. - speaking respectfully)

This form is perfect for giving step-by-step instructions, such as in a recipe or when giving directions to a place.

Primero, mezcla los ingredientes secos.
(First, mix the dry ingredients.)
Luego, añade la leche poco a poco.
(Then, add the milk little by little.)
Sigue recto por esta calle.
(Continue straight on this street.)
Después, gira a la izquierda en el semáforo.
(Afterwards, turn left at the traffic light.)

Use this form to give friendly advice or a suggestion. It is a common way to recommend that someone do something.

Prueba esta sopa. ¡Está muy buena!
(Try this soup. It's very good!)
Descansa un poco, pareces cansado.
(Rest a little, you look tired.)
Llama a tu amigo.
(Call your friend.)
Piénsalo bien antes de decidir.
(Think about it carefully before deciding.)

You can use this verb form to make a warm and friendly invitation to someone.

Ven a mi casa esta tarde.
(Come to my house this afternoon.)
Entra, entra, no te quedes en la puerta.
(Come in, come in, don't stay at the door.)
Vamos a la playa.
(Let's go to the beach.)

It is also used to grant permission after someone asks if they can do something. It is a direct way to say "yes, go ahead".

- ¿Puedo usar tu bolígrafo? - Sí, úsalo.
(- Can I use your pen? - Yes, use it.)
- ¿Abro la ventana? - Sí, ábrela, hace calor.
(- Should I open the window? - Yes, open it, it's hot.)

IMPORTANT: When you use small words like "me", "te", "lo", "la", "nos", or "les" with this verb form, you must attach them directly to the end of the verb. For example, you say "dime" (tell me) and not "me di".

Further explanations

Conjugation patterns