French flag

Tense guide
Impératif affirmatif (Imperative (affirmative))

Language: French
Tense:
Person:

Practice conjugation drills

Introduction

This verb form is used to give a direct order, an instruction, or a suggestion to someone. It tells a person or a group of people what to do. You use it when you are speaking directly to them.

The most common use is to give a direct command or order. This is a clear instruction for someone to perform an action.

Regarde !
(Look!)
Écoutez attentivement.
(Listen carefully.)
Viens ici tout de suite.
(Come here right now.)
Mange tes légumes.
(Eat your vegetables.)
Allons-y maintenant.
(Let's go now.)
Faites vos devoirs.
(Do your homework.)

It is also used to give instructions or directions, like in a recipe or when telling someone how to get somewhere.

D'abord, prenez la première rue à droite.
(First, take the first street on the right.)
Continuez tout droit sur 200 mètres.
(Continue straight for 200 meters.)
Mélangez la farine et le sucre, puis ajoutez les œufs.
(Mix the flour and the sugar, then add the eggs.)
Lisez les instructions avant de commencer.
(Read the instructions before starting.)

You can use this form to give friendly advice or a suggestion. The tone is helpful, not bossy.

Prends un parapluie, il pleut.
(Take an umbrella, it's raining.)
Si tu es malade, reste à la maison.
(If you are sick, stay home.)
Essayons ce nouveau restaurant.
(Let's try this new restaurant.)
Réfléchis bien avant de répondre.
(Think carefully before answering.)

It is also used to make a polite request or an invitation. Adding "s'il te plaît" or "s'il vous plaît" makes it softer.

Entrez, s'il vous plaît.
(Come in, please.)
Passe-moi le sel, s'il te plaît.
(Pass me the salt, please.)
Asseyez-vous.
(Have a seat. / Sit down.)

Remember to choose the right form. Use one form for a friend or child (tu), and a different form for a group of people, a stranger, or in a formal situation (vous). The form for "we" or "let's" (nous) is used for suggestions involving yourself.

Finally, it can be used to express a wish or hope for someone.

Passe une bonne journée !
(Have a good day!)
Amusez-vous bien.
(Have fun.)
Porte-toi bien.
(Take care.)

Further explanations

Conjugation patterns