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Tense guide
Imperativo negativo (Imperative (negative))

Language: Italian
Tense:
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Practice conjugation drills

Introduction

In Italian, you use the "imperativo negativo" to tell someone not to do something. It is used for giving negative commands, making prohibitions, or offering negative advice. Think of it as the way to say "don't do that".

The most common use is to give a negative command to one person you know well, like a friend, a child, or a family member. It is informal and very frequent in daily conversation.

Non parlare così forte.
(Don't speak so loudly.)
Non dimenticare le chiavi sul tavolo.
(Don't forget the keys on the table.)
Prima di uscire, non lasciare la finestra aperta.
(Before you go out, don't leave the window open.)
Non mangiare tutti i biscotti!
(Don't eat all the cookies!)
Non correre per le scale.
(Don't run on the stairs.)

You also use it to give gentle, negative advice or to reassure someone. It’s softer than a command and is used to offer support.

Non preoccuparti, andrà tutto bene.
(Don't worry, everything will be okay.)
Non essere triste per questo.
(Don't be sad about that.)
Non pensarci troppo adesso.
(Don't think about it too much right now.)

When you need to give a negative command to a group of people (two or more), the form changes. You use this when speaking to your children, friends, or a team.

Ragazzi, non fate troppo rumore.
(Guys, don't make too much noise.)
Per favore, non parlate tutti insieme.
(Please, don't all talk at the same time.)
Non andate via ancora, la festa non è finita.
(Don't leave yet, the party isn't over.)

To give a negative command in a formal situation to one person you don't know, an older person, or someone in a position of authority, you use a different, more polite form.

Signora, non si preoccupi, la aiuto io.
(Ma'am, don't worry, I will help you.)
Scusi, non chiuda la porta, per favore.
(Excuse me, don't close the door, please.)
Professore, non parli così velocemente.
(Professor, don't speak so quickly.)

Pay attention: telling one friend not to do something (e.g., "non mangiare") is different from telling a group of people ("non mangiate") or a stranger formally ("non mangi"). The informal command for one person is the most distinct.

Finally, it is used for impersonal prohibitions, like on public signs, warnings, or in rule books. This form is general and not directed at any specific person.

Non fumare in questa zona.
(Do not smoke in this area.)
Non toccare le opere d'arte.
(Do not touch the works of art.)
Non calpestare l'erba.
(Do not walk on the grass.)

Further explanations

Conjugation patterns