Negative commands (imperativos negativos) tell someone not to do something, give warnings, or offer instructions. In Spanish, they always begin with the word no and use the present subjunctive form of the verb for all subjects (tú, usted, vosotros, ustedes). This conjugation ensures the command is indefinite and can apply to anyone in the addressed group.
Formation Rules
To form a negative command:
- Start with the word no.
- Use the present subjunctive form of the verb.
- Use the subject pronoun only for emphasis (optional, but common in written or formal contexts).
Which verb form is used in negative commands in Spanish?
present subjunctive
Negative commands use the present subjunctive to express prohibition or warnings.
Examples
- no hables (don’t speak)
- no coma (don’t eat)
- no escriban (don’t write)
- no vayas (don’t go)
- no seas (don’t be)
Full Conjugation Charts for Negative Commands
| Subject Pronoun | Hablar (to speak) | Comer (to eat) | Escribir (to write) | Ir (to go) | Ser (to be) | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| tú | no hables | no comas | no escribas | no vayas | no seas | No hables durante la película. (Don’t talk during the movie.) |
| usted | no hable | no coma | no escriba | no vaya | no sea | No coma antes de la cita. (Don’t eat before the appointment.) |
| vosotros | no habléis | no comáis | no escribáis | no vayáis | no seáis | No escribáis en la pared. (Don’t write on the wall.) |
| ustedes | no hablen | no coman | no escriban | no vayan | no sean | No sean impacientes. (Don’t be impatient.) |
Irregular Negative Command Forms
Some verbs have irregular subjunctive forms that carry over into negative commands:
- haber → no hayas
- ir → no vayas
- ser → no seas
- estar → no estés
- saber → no sepas
Examples:
- No vayas solo a casa. (Don’t go home alone.)
- No seas descortés. (Don’t be rude.)
Reflexive and Object Pronouns
In negative commands, pronouns always come before the verb and after no.
Examples:
| Meaning | Spanish Example | English Example |
|---|---|---|
| Don’t wash yourself | No te laves las manos. | Don’t wash your hands. |
| Don’t go to bed yet (ustedes) | No se acuesten todavía. | Don’t go to bed yet. |
| Don’t write it (vosotros) | No lo escribáis. | Don’t write it. |
Tip: If there are two pronouns, the order is always reflexive + indirect + direct, e.g. No te lo lleves (Don’t take it with you).
Don’t wash your hands. (tú, lavarse las manos)
No te laves las manos.
Reflexive pronoun **te** goes before the verb and after **no**: **No te laves**.
Common Negative Command Phrases
- No fumes aquí. (Don’t smoke here.)
- No uses mi computadora. (Don’t use my computer.)
- No salgas tarde. (Don’t leave late.)
- No pierdas el tren. (Don’t miss the train.)
- No digas mentiras. (Don’t tell lies.)
Don’t tell lies.
No digas mentiras.
**No digas** is the negative tú command form of decir, so it means 'Don’t tell.'
Summary
- Use no + present subjunctive (for all subjects)
- Pronouns go before the verb
- Irregular subjunctive forms also appear in commands
- Meaning is “don’t do X”
Negative commands are a common, useful part of Spanish grammar for giving instructions, warnings, or prohibitions. Practice them by identifying stem changes, irregular subjunctive forms, and correct pronoun placement.
Flashcards (1 of 3)
- Meaning: Don’t wash yourself
- English Example: Don’t wash your hands.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
