Commands Review: Part II

Notes:

  1. The written lesson is below.
  2. Links to quizzes, tests, etc. are to the left.

 

The affirmative vosotros command is formed by simply replacing the final “r” of the infinitive with “d.”

Comprad (vosotros) el anillo.
(You-all) Buy the ring.
Escribid (vosotros) la tarea.
(You-all) Do the homework.
Comed (vosotros) la patata.
(You-all) Eat the potato.

The negative vosotros commands use the corresponding present subjunctive forms.

No compréis (vosotros) el anillo.
(You-all) Don’t buy the ring.
No escribáis (vosotros) la tarea.
(You-all) Don’t write the homework.
No comáis (vosotros) la patata.
(You-all) Don’t eat the potato.

With affirmative commands using a reflexive verb, the final “d” of the verb form is dropped before adding the pronoun “os.”

Sentad + os = Sentaos.
Sit down.

The only exception is the verb “irse” which retains the final “d.”

¡Idos!
Go away!

Verbs ending in “-ir” will require a written accent.

Vestid + os = Vestíos.
Get dressed.

Nosotros commands are used when the speaker is included, and are used to express the idea “let’s + verb.” To form these commands, use the nosotros form of the present subjunctive.

Comamos allí.
Let’s eat there.
Contemos el dinero.
Let’s count the money.

To form the negative command, place the word no before the same verb form (present subjunctive).

No comamos allí.
Let’s not eat there.
No contemos el dinero.
Let’s not count the money.

The only exception is the verb ir(se), which uses the present indicative for the affirmative command only.

Vamos ahora.
Let’s go now.

but

No vayamos a la tienda.
Let’s not go to the store.

As with other commands, a written accent is often required when pronouns are added. With affirmative commands, the final “s” of the verb form is dropped before adding the pronouns “nos” or “se.”

Sentemos + nos = Sentémonos.
Let’s sit down.

Escribamos + se + la = Escribámosela.
Let’s write it to them.

But not with negative commands.

No nos sentemos.
Let’s not sit down.

No se la escribamos.
Let’s not write it to them.

When the command is given through a third party, indirect commands are used. The form is “que + present subjunctive.”

Que entre María.
Let María come in.
Que vengan a las cuatro.
Have them come at four o’clock.

Indirect commands are also used to convey a hope or a wish.

Que lo hagas tú.
Why don’t you do it?
Que vivas para siempre.
May you live forever.

The following examples include pronouns and negative commands.

Que entren ahora.
Let them in now.
Que no entren ahora.
Don’t let them in now.
Que se ponga Sara el vestido negro.
Have Sara put on the black dress.
Que no se ponga Sara el vestido blanco.
Don’t have Sara put on the white dress.