Basic Guide to Commands in Spanish: Forms and Examples

If you are learning the Spanish language, you have probably heard expressions such as “¡Ven aquí!” or “¡Corre rápido!” Commands in Spanish are everywhere, and they're the key to sounding fluent. However, you’re not sure how to use them yourself.

As a native Spanish speaker, I can tell you that commands are one of the most important things to master in the language. They help you give instructions, make requests, or even offer advice in a way that’s clear and direct.

In this article, I’ll explain how Spanish commands work, how to form them, and when to use them. I’ll also share some of the most common commands you’ll need in everyday situations. By the end, you’ll be ready to start using them confidently!

What Are Commands In Spanish?

Commands, also known as “imperatives,” are verbs used to tell someone to do something. In English, you might say, “Do your homework” or “Please sit down,” and in Spanish, these would become commands, too! They’re an essential part of everyday conversations, especially when you’re asking someone to take action quickly.

However, there’s a twist: Spanish commands change depending on who you’re talking to. Are you talking to a friend? A boss? A stranger? Knowing when to use the right command form makes all the difference.

Types Of Commands In Spanish

There are two main types of commands in Spanish: affirmative (telling someone to do something) and negative (telling someone not to do something). And, depending on who you're talking to, you’ll use different forms.

Affirmative Commands: Telling Someone To Do Something

When you want someone to take action, you use an affirmative command. For example:

-Ven aquí – “Come here”

-Habla más despacio – “Speak more slowly”

To form affirmative commands, we usually take the verb stem and change it. For example:

-Hablar (to talk) becomes Habla (talk).

-Comer (to eat) becomes Come (eat).

It’s that simple!

Negative Commands: Telling Someone NOT To Do Something

Now that you know how to tell someone to do something, let's learn how to tell them not to do it. That's where negative commands come in. They follow a different pattern. You add the word “no” before the verb and change the verb form:

-No hables – “Don’t talk”

-No comas – “Don’t eat”

Notice how the verb changes for negative commands. For “hablar,” it becomes “hables,” and for “comer,” it becomes “comas”. The key difference is the verb ending changes for negative commands.

Polite Commands: When You Want To Be Courteous

In Spanish, you have to be careful with formality, especially when addressing someone you don’t know well, a boss or an elder. In these cases, you use the formal “usted” form to make your commands sound polite and respectful.

-Hable más despacio, por favor – “Please speak more slowly” (formal)

-Por favor, siéntese – “Please sit down” (formal)

The formal version usually follows the same conjugation rules as negative commands.

How To Form Commands In Spanish

Now that you know about affirmative, negative, and polite commands, let’s talk about how to form them. Don’t worry—it’s not as complicated as it might seem.

Regular Verbs: The Basics

For regular verbs, forming commands is actually pretty straightforward once you know the rules. Here’s how it works:

-AR Verbs: For affirmative commands (telling someone to do something), take the third-person singular form of the verb (the "él/ella" form) in the present tense. You don't need to worry about the subject pronoun.

Example:

-Hablar (to talk) → Habla (talk)

-Estudiar (to study) → Estudia (study)

-ER and -IR Verbs: These verbs follow a similar pattern, and you also use the third-person singular form for affirmative commands:

-Comer (to eat) → Come (eat)

-Vivir (to live) → Vive (live)

Irregular Verbs: The Exceptions

Some verbs are tricky because they don’t follow the regular rules. Here are a few common ones:

-Hacer (to do/make) → Haz (do/make)

-Tener (to have) → Ten (have)

-Decir (to say/tell) → Di (say/tell)

-Ir (to go) → Ve (go)

*These verbs have irregular forms in the command, so you just have to memorize them.

Negative Commands

For negative commands, you add “no” in front of the verb, and the verb form changes to the subjunctive (a different mood of the verb):

-No vengas– “Don’t come”

-No comas – “Don’t eat”

-No vayas – “Don’t go”

*Remember, the verb endings change when you form negative commands. It’s just a small adjustment, but it’s important.

Common Commands In Spanish For Everyday Situations

Here are a few handy commands to help you get through everyday situations in Spanish:

Commands For Giving Directions

-Siga derecho – “Go straight”

-Gire a la derecha – “Turn right”

-Cruce la calle – “Cross the street”

-Pase el semáforo – “Pass the traffic light”

Commands For Dining Out

-Pida la cuenta – “Ask for the bill”

-Coma más despacio – “Eat more slowly”

-Ordene lo que quiera – “Order whatever you want”

Commands In The Workplace

-Envíe el informe – “Send the report”

-Escriba un correo electrónico – “Write an email”

-Hable con su jefe – “Talk to your boss”

Tips For Mastering Spanish Commands

Mastering commands in Spanish can take your language skills to the next level. However, as with any new skill, it requires practice and attention to detail. Here are some practical tips to help you use Spanish commands with confidence:

• Start Small and Build Up: Begin by learning a few simple commands and practice them in everyday situations. Once you’re comfortable with the basics, try adding more complex verbs to your command list. Consistent practice with small steps will make a big difference over time!
• Focus on the Context: Understanding the context is crucial when using commands. Always pay attention to whether you're speaking to a friend (informal) or a stranger (formal). For example, use "Habla" (talk) with a friend and "Hable" (talk) with someone you don’t know well.
• Listen and Mimic Native Speakers: One of the best ways to learn the natural flow of commands is by listening to native speakers. Pay attention to how they phrase commands in movies, podcasts, or conversations. Mimicking their tone and style can help you sound more authentic.
• Remember the Subjunctive for Negative Commands: When forming negative commands (telling someone not to do something), remember to use the subjunctive form of the verb. For example, "No hables" (Don’t talk) or "No comas" (Don’t eat). This is one of the most common mistakes for beginners, so be mindful of it!
  

Learn To Use Spanish Commands With Lingopie

Now that you have a solid understanding of Spanish commands, you’re ready to start using them in real conversations! Remember, the key is practicing both affirmative and negative commands, understanding the difference between formal and informal forms, and getting familiar with common phrases. Whether you’re giving directions, making requests, or simply communicating with others, mastering these commands will make your Spanish sound much more natural.

If you're looking for a fun and interactive way to keep practicing your Spanish commands (and overall language skills), I highly recommend Lingopie. With its engaging content like TV shows, movies, and videos, you can learn Spanish in a real-world context and hear commands used in everyday situations. It’s an awesome tool to improve your listening skills and get more comfortable using what you've learned.

So, why not give Lingopie a try today? Start watching, learning, and speaking Spanish with confidence!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Learning commands in Spanish can raise a few questions, especially when you're first starting out. To help clear up some common doubts, we’ve put together answers to a few frequently asked questions.

1. Can I Use “Usted” Commands With Friends or Family?

While "usted" is typically used for formal situations or when showing respect to someone older or in a position of authority, it’s perfectly fine to use "usted" with friends or family if you want to be especially polite. It’s all about the tone and context!

2. How Do I Ask for Something Politely Using Commands?

In Spanish, adding “por favor” (please) makes your command sound more polite. For example, instead of just saying “Dame eso” (Give me that), you can say “Dame eso, por favor” (Give me that, please) to soften your request.

3. Can I Use Commands in the Past or Future Tense?

No, commands in Spanish are always in the present tense. They are meant to tell someone to do something right now or in the immediate future.