Imperative
The imperative tells someone to do something, and Mandarin divides commands into helpful categories like polite requests and quick orders. This guide goes through the main ways to give commands so you can tailor your speech to the situation.
吸引注意 (To Get Attention)
To get someone's attention before giving a command, you can use lǎo shī 老师 or their name followed by wèi 喂, or simply say děng yīxià 等一下 to pause them. This sets up the listener to focus on you.
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请+ Verb (Polite Requests)
Using qǐng 请 before a verb makes the command into a polite request suitable for strangers, customers, or formal situations. It softens the order and shows respect.
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别/不要 (Negative Commands)
To tell someone not to do something, use bié 别 or bú yào 不要 before the verb. Bié 别 is more colloquial and punchy, while bú yào 不要 sounds slightly more formal.
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快 (Quick Orders)
Adding kuài 快 before a verb urges someone to act quickly and works well for urgent or time-sensitive commands. It gives the order extra speed and force.
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给我+ Verb (Forceful Commands)
The pattern gěi wǒ 给我 plus a verb creates a very forceful or demanding command, often used when someone is annoyed or in charge. It literally frames the action as "give me" something.
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能不能/可不可以 (Requests for Permission)
Phrases like néng bu néng 能不能 or kě bu kě yǐ 可不可以 turn commands into requests for permission, making them extra polite and showing deference to the listener.
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要是/如果...就 (Conditional Instructions)
Using yào shì 要是 or rú guǒ 如果 to set up a condition followed by jiù 就 and an instruction gives clear, situational commands. This format is handy for rules or advice.
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Summary
Mandarin commands fall into short categories like polite requests with qǐng 请, negative orders with bié 别, quick urges with kuài 快, and forceful demands with gěi wǒ 给我. Picking the right marker tailors the tone from gentle to firm.
Last updated: Sun Sep 14, 2025