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Tense guide
Imperativo negativo (Imperative (negative))

Language: Spanish
Tense:
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Practice conjugation drills

Introduction

This verb form is used to tell people not to do something. You use it to express negative commands, give advice, or make requests. It is the direct opposite of telling someone what to do.

The most common use is to give direct commands or orders. This is when you want to tell someone clearly and firmly not to do a specific action.

No toques eso.
(Don't touch that.)
No hables ahora.
(Don't talk now.)
No abran la ventana, por favor.
(Don't open the window, please.)
Niños, no corráis en la casa.
(Children, don't run in the house.)
Señor, no estacione aquí.
(Sir, don't park here.)

You also use this form to give advice or a warning. It is a way to recommend that someone avoid doing something for their own benefit or safety.

No comas tan rápido.
(Don't eat so fast.)
No te preocupes, todo está bien.
(Don't worry, everything is fine.)
No gastes todo tu dinero el primer día.
(Don't spend all your money on the first day.)
No confíes en extraños.
(Don't trust strangers.)

This form can make a polite request. It is softer than a direct command, especially when you add words like "por favor".

Por favor, no hagas mucho ruido.
(Please, don't make a lot of noise.)
No me llames después de las diez.
(Don't call me after ten.)
No olvides cerrar la puerta.
(Don't forget to close the door.)

An important rule: when you use small words like 'me', 'te', 'se', 'nos', or 'os', they always go before the verb in a negative command.

No te sientes en esa silla.
(Don't sit in that chair.)
No se vayan todavía.
(Don't leave yet.)

It is also used to give instructions, for example, in a recipe, a manual, or when giving directions.

No añadas la sal hasta el final.
(Don't add the salt until the end.)
No uses este producto cerca del fuego.
(Don't use this product near fire.)

Further explanations

Conjugation patterns