Definition and Use
Affirmative commands in Spanish are used to give orders, instructions, or advice in a positive manner. They directly tell someone to do something and are commonly used in everyday conversations to guide actions or requests.
Formation Overview
Affirmative commands vary depending on the subject (tú, usted, vosotros, ustedes) and the verb type (regular or irregular). The conjugation changes for tú often differ from the other forms, especially because the tú form is derived from the third person singular of the present indicative or subjunctive, depending on regularity.
Tú Affirmative Commands
The tú affirmative command is usually formed by taking the third person singular form of the present indicative tense of the verb. This form is generally familiar and informal, used with friends, family, or peers.
Usted, Ustedes, Vosotros Affirmative Commands
The affirmative commands for usted, ustedes, and vosotros use different conjugation rules:
- Usted uses the third person singular subjunctive form
- Ustedes uses the third person plural subjunctive form
- Vosotros commands drop the -r from the infinitive and add -d
Irregular Affirmative Commands
Several common verbs have irregular affirmative command forms in the tú form. These irregulars must be memorized as they do not follow standard conjugation rules.
Pronoun Placement with Affirmative Commands
When using affirmative commands with direct, indirect, or reflexive pronouns, the pronouns are attached to the end of the conjugated verb, and an accent mark may be added to maintain original stress.
Conjugations
| Spanish Pronoun | Spanish Conjugation | English Conjugation | Spanish Example | English Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tú | habla | speak (you) | ¡Habla más despacio! | Speak more slowly! |
| usted | hable | speak (formal you) | Hable con su profesor. | Speak with your teacher. |
| vosotros | hablad | speak (you all) | Hablad todos juntos. | Speak all together. |
| ustedes | hablen | speak (you all) | Hablen más claro, por favor. | Speak more clearly, please. |
| Spanish Pronoun | Spanish Conjugation | English Conjugation | Spanish Example | English Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tú | ven | come (you) | Ven aquí rápido. | Come here quickly. |
| usted | venga | come (formal you) | Venga a verme pronto. | Come see me soon. |
| vosotros | venid | come (you all) | Venid a la fiesta. | Come to the party. |
| ustedes | vengan | come (you all) | Vengan con nosotros. | Come with us. |
Summary
Affirmative commands are a key part of communication in Spanish to give instructions or commands politely or informally. Mastering their formation, especially the irregular forms and pronoun placements, is essential for fluency in spoken and written Spanish.
