do your homework in spanish command

Not sure which program to pick? Compare programs

Essential Spanish for teachers and babysitters: 67 tú commands in Spanish

Get our free email course, Shortcut to Conversational.

Have conversations faster, understand people when they speak fast, and other tested tips to learn faster.

If you ever need to direct people effectively, it’s imperative to know how to give good instructions. This is especially true when the instructions are in another language and aimed at children. So, if what you need is a perfectly practical list of tú commands in Spanish , you’ve come to the right place.

In this post you will find 67 tú commands  in affirmative and negative forms that are useful in different contexts such as school, home, and when going out. These are all suitable for addressing a single person in an informal context, so ideal for a teacher or babysitter addressing a child.

Our focus here is specifically on providing useful tú commands in Spanish , with tons of practical vocabulary. If you want more of a grammatical approach, we recommend our dedicated post on how to form Spanish commands using the imperative mood .

Let’s get going!

At School – En la Escuela

We know that school is great, but it can also be a difficult place to be a teacher if communication is not on point. So, if you are struggling with getting your ideas across in Spanish or if you simply need some Spanish for teachers, this list of affirmative and negative tú commands is sure to help.

Affirmative tú commands in Spanish

Negative tú commands, at home – en casa.

Whether you want to teach your children Spanish using instructions, or you are a babysitter who needs Spanish for children, this section has just what you need to communicate using specific tú commands in Spanish. As in the previous section, we show you the affirmative and negative form of these Spanish verbs in the imperative form.

And finally, once you’ve got the kids calmed down and ready for bed, you may be interested in these popular nursery rhymes in Spanish !

Affirmative tú commands

Going out – afuera.

There is no doubt that when you are out with children, you can never be too cautious. Away from home there are many unexpected situations that can arise, so if your work or daily life includes Spanish-speaking children, you need to check this list of tú commands  to use outside.

Today we covered a good variety of tú commands  in Spanish. 67, to be exact! You now have a very useful list of phrases to use whenever you have a Spanish-speaking kid to deal with. Good job! Let’s do a review, shall we?

The Spanish tú commands we covered in this post are intended for contexts in which it’s necessary to communicate with children in Spanish. We divided them into three main groups: at school, at home, and when going out. For each category, we looked at both the affirmative and negative form to cover all the necessary vocabulary.

We know how important it is to give clear instructions, so we’ve got you covered!

So, if you are a teacher or a babysitter, or if you simply found this list useful, feel free to bookmark this page so you can come back to it whenever you need to. We hope you liked this post and that you’ll share it with those who need it. See you next time! ¡Cuídate! – Take care!

Get our FREE 7-day email course, Shortcut to Conversational

The exact strategies you need to become conversational in Spanish this year. Join the course now, before we come to our senses and charge for it!

Break-up lines in Spanish: 20 phrases for ending a relationship

Camping in Spanish: Essential vocab for your outdoor adventure

Spanish Captions for Instagram: Level up your content en español

This blog is presented by BaseLang: Unlimited Spanish Tutoring for $179 a Month. Learn more here.

Your First Week Is Just $1.

After that, it’s just $179/mo for unlimited one-on-one tutoring.

Remember, the worst case scenario is you get a few free classes, don’t like it, and end up with an extra $20 in the bank.

Subscribe to BaseLang Bites

Supercharge your Spanish with our short weekly email, with bite-sized lessons and tips 🚀

BIENVIENDOS A BASELANG BITES!

Keep an eye out for the first lesson coming to your inbox shortly 🙌

Download BaseLang's Ultimate Guide to Spanish!

Get Access Now!

Sign up today so you can get instant access to this product bundle!

How to Say “Do Your Homework” in Spanish: Formal and Informal Ways

Learning how to say “do your homework” in Spanish is essential if you want to effectively communicate with Spanish speakers. Whether you’re a student asking your classmates, a parent reminding your child, or a teacher giving instructions, knowing the appropriate phrases will help you express yourself clearly. In this guide, we’ll cover both formal and informal ways to say “do your homework” in Spanish, as well as provide tips, examples, and some regional variations.

1. Saying “Do Your Homework” Formally:

When addressing someone in a formal or professional setting, it’s important to use the appropriate language. Here are a few phrases you can use to convey the message of “do your homework” formally:

• “Realice su tarea” : This is a straightforward translation of the phrase “do your homework.” It is suitable for formal situations, such as addressing colleagues, clients, or students in a professional environment.
• “Termine su tarea” : This phrase translates to “finish your homework” and is useful when emphasizing the completion of the task. It works well in formal settings where deadlines and completion are important.
• “Complete su tarea” : Similar to the previous phrase, “complete su tarea” translates to “complete your homework.” It can be used interchangeably with “termine su tarea” and is suitable for formal contexts as well.
• “Cumpla con su tarea” : This phrase translates to “fulfill your homework” and has a slightly more formal tone. It can be used in academic or professional settings to stress the importance of fulfilling one’s obligations.

2. Saying “Do Your Homework” Informally:

When speaking with family members, friends, or in casual conversations, you can use more informal language to say “do your homework” in Spanish. Here are a few phrases you can employ:

• “Haz tu tarea” : This is a commonly used way to say “do your homework” in an informal context. “Haz” is the second-person singular command form of the verb “hacer” (to do/make), and “tu tarea” means “your homework.”
• “Termina tu tarea” : Similar to the formal phrase, “termina tu tarea” means “finish your homework.” It can be used with friends or family members to remind them to complete their assignments.
• “Completa tu tarea” : This phrase also translates to “complete your homework” and is a more direct way of urging someone to finish their tasks. It can be used casually among friends or siblings.
• “Acaba tu tarea” : This phrase, meaning “finish your homework,” is closer in tone to an urgent request. It can be used with close friends or younger siblings when you want to emphasize the importance of completing the assignment promptly.

Tip: When speaking informally, you can use the verb “hacer” (to do/make) as a general command to say “do your homework.” Simply say “Haz tu tarea” or “Hagan su tarea” (for a group) without explicitly mentioning the word “homework.”

3. Examples of Using the Phrases:

Let’s look at some examples to see how these phrases can be used in context:

• Formal: “Por favor, realice su tarea antes de nuestra próxima reunión.” (Please do your homework before our next meeting.)
• Formal: “Es importante cumplir con su tarea para el éxito en el curso.” (It’s important to fulfill your homework for success in the course.)
• Informal: “Haz tu tarea antes de salir a jugar.” (Do your homework before going out to play.)
• Informal: “Termina tu tarea y luego podremos ver la película juntos.” (Finish your homework, and then we can watch the movie together.)

4. Regional Variations:

Spanish is spoken in various countries, and while most phrases are understood universally, there might be some regional variations. However, when it comes to saying “do your homework,” the phrases mentioned earlier are widely understood and used throughout the Spanish-speaking world. It’s always good to familiarize yourself with local variations if you’re planning to visit or interact extensively within a specific region.

Learning how to say “do your homework” in Spanish will enable you to communicate effectively in various contexts. Whether you need to convey the message formally or informally, you can use the phrases provided in this guide. Remember to adjust your language and tone based on the situation and your relationship with the person you’re addressing. By incorporating these phrases into your Spanish vocabulary, you will enhance your ability to engage with Spanish speakers and foster better understanding.

Related Posts

Guide: How to Express Your Feelings to a Girl and Tell Her She's Your Crush

Introduction: Expressing your feelings to someone you have a crush on can be nerve-wracking, but it's important to communicate your emotions honestly and respectfully. In this guide, we'll provide tips and examples on how to tell a girl that she's your crush. We'll cover both formal and informal ways of expressing your feelings, with a focus on maintaining a warm and sincere tone. Let's get started!

How to Say About Your Hometown: A Guide to Expressing Your Thoughts and Feelings

When it comes to talking about your hometown, finding the right words to convey your thoughts and emotions can sometimes be a challenge. Whether you are speaking formally or informally, it is important to be able to express yourself clearly and convincingly. In this guide, we will provide you with tips, examples, and variations to help you effectively share your experiences and create a captivating narrative about your beloved birthplace.

How to Say "All the Best for Your Exam" to Your Boyfriend: Formal and Informal Ways

Exams can be stressful for anyone, and your boyfriend would surely appreciate some words of encouragement and support. Saying "all the best for your exam" not only shows that you care, but also helps boost his confidence. In this guide, we'll explore formal and informal ways to express your well-wishes, along with tips, examples, and some variations based on regional preferences.

How to Say "All the Best for Your Exam" to Your Girlfriend

When your girlfriend has an important exam coming up, it's essential to show her your love, support, and encouragement. Wishing her "all the best" is a great way to boost her confidence and let her know that you believe in her abilities. In this guide, we will explore various formal and informal ways to express your good wishes for her exam. Let's dive in!

How to Say Goodbye to Your Boss on Your Last Day: Formal and Informal Ways

Leaving a job can be bittersweet. While it signals the start of a new chapter in your professional journey, it also means parting ways with colleagues, including your boss. Saying goodbye to your boss on the last day should be done with grace and respect, regardless of your relationship with them. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to bid farewell to your boss, ensuring your departure is memorable and positive.

Congratulations on Your New Business: How to Express Your Wishes

Starting a fresh endeavor is an exciting and courageous step. It takes dedication, passion, and a strong belief in oneself. When someone you know embarks upon this journey, showing your support and congratulating them on their new business can be a wonderful gesture.

Congratulations on Your Baby: How to Express Your Joy and Warm Wishes

Welcoming a new baby into the world is a momentous occasion that calls for heartfelt congratulations and well wishes. Whether you want to convey your excitement in a formal or informal manner, we have compiled a comprehensive guide on how to say "congratulations on your baby" in various ways. Read on for tips, examples, and ideas on expressing your joy in celebrating this wonderful milestone with new parents.

How to Say Eid Mubarak to Your Husband: A Guide to Express Your Wishes

As Eid approaches, it's a joyous time to celebrate with your loved ones, including your husband. Expressing your warm wishes and saying "Eid Mubarak" to your spouse can make the occasion even more special. Whether you prefer a formal or informal approach, we've got you covered! In this guide, we'll explore various ways to say Eid Mubarak to your husband, providing tips, examples, and even regional variations. Let's dive in!

Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Arabic Cantonese Chinese Dutch English Farsi Filipino French German Greek Hawaiian Hebrew Hindi Irish Italian Japan Japanese Korean Latin Mandarin Mexican Navajo Norwegian Polish Portuguese Punjabi Romanian Russian Sanskrit Sign Language Spanish Swahili Swedish Tagalog Tamil Thai Turkish Ukrainian Urdu Vietnamese

• Privacy Policy

• Login Logout

Lesson Topics

• Show All | Collapse All
• Just -ar Verbs
• Just -er Verbs
• Just -ir Verbs
• Regular Verbs
• Stem-changing e:i
• Stem-changing e:ie
• Stem-changing o:ue
• Tener, Venir
• Irreg. 1st Persons
• Orthographic-changing
• Stem-changing Verbs
• Ser, Ir, Dar, Hacer
• Imperfect - All Cases
• Formal Commands
• Informal tú Commands
• Irreg. tú Commands
• Present Perfect
• Past Perfect
• Future Perfect

Informal Commands - Tú Commands

In the previous lesson, you learned that commands are used when ordering, or telling someone to do something. This is often referred to as the “imperative” form of the verb.

Compra (tú) el anillo. (You) Buy the ring. Escribe (tú) la tarea. (You) Do the homework. Compra (tú) los libros. (You) Buy the books. Come (tú) la patata. (You) Eat the potato.

Remember that Spanish has both a formal and an informal style of speech (tú/Ud.). This distinction applies to commands.

Compre Ud. el anillo. Buy the ring. (formal) Compra (tú) los dulces. Buy the candy. (familiar)

Remember, formal speech is generally used to be polite or to express respect. Informal, or familiar, speech is used among friends, coworkers, relatives, or when addressing a child.

The affirmative informal (tú) commands are formed the same way as the present indicative Ud. form:

(hablar – ar + a = habla) (comer – er + e = come) (escribir – ir + e = escribe)

Be sure to note that the “tú” commands use the usted form, not the tú form!

The following examples of commands use three regular verbs: hablar, comer, and escribir.

Habla (tú) más lentamente. (You) Speak more slowly. Come (tú) la cena. (You) Eat the dinner. Escribe (tú) la carta. (You) Write the letter.

Note that the negative informal commands use the tú form of the present subjunctive.

No cuentes tus beneficios. Don’t count your blessings. No hables más lentamente. Don’t speak more slowly.

Be sure to note that this is the tú form!

Compare the affirmative informal (tú) commands with the negative informal (tú) commands:

Cuenta tus beneficios. Count your blessings. No cuentes tus beneficios. Don’t count your blessings. Habla más lentamente. Speak more slowly. No hables más lentamente. Don’t speak more slowly.

Also note that the subject pronoun tú is not normally used with imperative form.

Habla más lentamente. (You) Speak more slowly. Come la cena. (You) Eat the dinner. Escribe la carta. (You) Write the letter.

Affirmative Informal Commands in Spanish – Learn and Practice

Welcome 😊 to our grammar lesson on how to give affirmative informal commands in Spanish.

These are commands in which we tell one person ( “tú” ) or several people ( “vosotros” ) to do something.

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to give these commands using the correct verb forms.

You will also find a Quiz and Exercises to practice.

Important: In this lesson we are only talking about affirmative informal commands .

If you want to learn negative and/or formal commands, click here

“tú” commands

“vosotros” commands, placement of reflexive and object pronouns, regular forms.

Most verbs have a regular “tú” command , and it is identical to the “él” form in Present Tense .

Example sentences:

Habla conmigo, por favor. Talk to me, please. Bebe menos. Drink less. Come más. Eat more. Juega conmigo a las cartas. Play cards with me . Por favor, cierra las ventanas . Please close the windows . Pide una cerveza. Order a beer.

Irregular forms

Some verbs have an irregular “tú” command . Here are the most important ones:

Example sentences :

Pon la mesa. Set the table . Ven aquí , por favor. Come here , please. Di la verdad. Tell the truth. Sal de tu habitación y haz algo. Get out of your room and do something.

“vosotros” commands are all regular , even for verbs with irregular “tú” commands.

To form a “vosotros” command, simply replace the verb’s final “r” with a “d” :

Comed pasta. Eat pasta. (you guys) Abrid la puerta , por favor. Open the door, please. (you guys) Haced vuestras camas. Make your beds. (you guys) Tened paciencia. Have patience. (you guys) Decid vuestros nombres. Say your names. (you guys)

In order to add reflexive or object pronouns ( me, te, lo, le, la, los, las, nos, os, se… ) to an affirmative command, just attach the pronoun at the end of the verb form :

Pon lo aquí. Put it here. Lláma nos pronto. Call us soon. Llamad nos pronto. Call us soon. (you guys) Usad lo . Use it . (you guys)

If we want to include two of these pronouns , we attach them one after another :

Dá me la . Give it to me . Cómpra nos lo . Buy it to us . Mandád me la . Send it to me . (you guys)

Accent marks when we attach pronouns

– “tú” commands may get an accent mark when we attach one or more pronouns , specially if the resulting word is long. The accent mark might be on the word’s 3rd or 4th vowel (counting from right to left) . Example: Lláma nos

– “vosotros” commands never get an accent mark when we attach one pronoun, but always get an accent mark when we attach two pronouns . The accent mark must be on the 3rd vowel (counting from right to left) . Example: Mandád me la

Special case – attaching “os” to a “vosotros” command

If we attach the pronoun os at the end of a “vosotros” command, the command loses its final “d”.

This happens with reflexive verbs like “ducharse”, “levantarse”, “concentrarse”…:

Ducha os , por favor. Take a shower , please. ( you guys ) – Not “ ducha d os ”, because the command loses its final “d”. Levanta os . Get up . ( you guys ) –   Not “ levanta d os ”. Concentra os . Concentrate . ( you guys ) – Not “ concentra d os “

Take this short Quiz about affirmative informal commands:

Your answer:

Correct answer:

Your Answers

Make “tú” commands for the following verbs. Click on the gray spaces to see the solutions:

1) escuchar – escucha 2) leer – lee 3) contar – cuenta 4) repetir – repite 5) decir – di 6) salir – sal 7) tener – ten 8) hacer – haz

Now for those same verbs, make “vosotros” commands.

1) escuchar – escuchad 2) leer – leed 3) contar – contad 4) repetir – repetid 5) decir – decid 6) salir – salid 7) tener – tened 8) hacer – haced

A mother gives her son Juanito several commands.

Fill the gaps with the “tú” commands of the verbs in brackets:

1) Juanito, haz tu cama. (hacer) Juanito, make your bed. 2) Limpia tu habitación. (limpiar) Clean your room. 3) Prepara tu mochila. (preparar) Pack your backpack. 4) Di qué has hecho hoy en clase. (decir) Say what you did in class today.

A mother gives commands to her children.

Fill the gaps with the “vosotros” commands of the verbs in brackets:

1) Niños, haced las tareas. (hacer) Children, do your homework. 2) Por favor, venid y ayudad a limpiar la cocina. (venir, ayudar) Please come and help clean the kitchen.

Contact Us - Privacy Policy - Terms and Conditions

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser or activate Google Chrome Frame to improve your experience.

The Complete Guide to Spanish Commands [With Quiz]

Spanish commands are an important part of learning the language. 

We use them to give directions or instructions, to ask for things, to give warnings or advice and more.

In this post, I’ll show you everything you need to know about giving commands in Spanish. 

Using the Imperative Mood for Spanish Commands

Informal spanish commands, formal spanish commands, ustedes commands, spanish commands with reflexive verbs, spanish commands with object pronouns, how to make polite commands in spanish, quiz on spanish commands.

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)

Spanish has three grammatical moods : the indicative, the subjunctive and the imperative. The imperative mood is used to give commands. In other words, it’s used to tell someone what to do. 

In English, the imperative consists of the base form of the verb. For example, “Listen!” or “Tell me!” You could give these commands to one or more people.

Commands in Spanish, however, have different endings depending on who you’re talking to . They normally don’t include a subject, but usually refer to the second person singular or plural. 

Here are the endings for the three different verb types in the imperative mood, along with examples using hablar (to speak), comer (to eat) and escribir  (to write):

We use affirmative commands in the tú form to tell just one person to do something in informal settings.

Affirmative tú commands use the  él/ella/usted form of the present simple indicative . To make the negative command, we use the word no followed by the verb in the tú subjunctive form . 

Take a look at some example sentences:

Abre la puerta. (Open the door.)

Come las verduras. (Eat the vegetables.)

No vayas al parque. (Don’t go to the park).

No comas dulces en la mañana. (Don’t eat candy in the morning.)

For more on telling someone what not to do, check out our full post on negative commands in Spanish . 

There are only eight irregular  tú  commands. They are:

We use commands in the usted form to tell someone what to do in more formal settings or to imply respect.

To make an usted command, use the é l/ella/usted form of the present simple subjunctive . In most cases, this means we take the yo form of the verb, drop the –  o and add the opposite ending. To make it negative, we just add the word no:

For example:

Sólo hable español   conmigo, por favor. (Only speak Spanish with me, please.)

Dígame el plan. (Tell me the plan.)

No salga hasta la noche. (Don’t leave until tonight.)

No vea  la película antes de leer el libro. (Don’t watch the movie before reading the book.)

There are also some usted commands that don’t follow the traditional format:

In Latin America, you’d use ustedes commands to address more than one person simultaneously (formal or informal). In Spain, we use ustedes only in formal situations.

To make the ustedes form of these commands, just add an n to the usted form . 

Vayan a la tienda y compren ropa nueva. (Go to the store and buy new clothes.)

Escriban sus nombres en el formulario. (Write your names on the form.)

Like with usted , ustedes negative commands are the same as their affirmative counterparts, just preceded by the word “no.”

No coman eso. (Don’t eat that.)

No jueguen en la calle. (Don’t play in the street.)

There are a few other types of commands that we won’t cover here but are covered elsewhere. Check out our posts on:

• Vos commands (used in many regions throughout Latin America.)
• Vosotros commands (used in Spain)
• Nosotros commands (used to suggest a group activity, like saying “Let’s…” in English)

Reflexive verbs are used for actions that someone does to themselves. As a quick reminder, the reflexive pronouns are:

Yo → me Tú → te Él/ella/usted → se Nosotros → n os Vosotros → os Ellos/ellas/ustedes → se

To make a command out of a reflexive verb, conjugate the verb as usual and then stick the reflexive pronoun on the end of the word . For example, to tell someone to wash their hands (lavarse las manos) , you would say:

¡Láva te las manos! (Wash your hands!)

As you may know, object pronouns can either be direct or indirect. The direct object directly receives the action of the verb, and an indirect object indirectly receives the action of the verb.

To use Spanish commands with indirect and direct object pronouns, we just stick them onto the ending of the command.

When commands call for both an indirect and a direct object pronoun, the indirect object always comes before the direct object. To remember the order of Spanish pronouns, use the acronym RID—Reflexive, Indirect, Direct .

Lláma la  pronto. (Call her soon.)

Dí melo . (Tell it to me.)

Lléva selo a tu mamá. (Take it to your mom.)

Tráe melos . (Bring them to me.)

Conjugating verbs in the forms we’ve seen above—known as the mandato form—is a good way to express that you want someone to do something (or not).

But in some social situations, using a command may feel a little too direct or aggressive . There are a few other, gentler ways to ask someone to do something in these situations: 

• Use the conditional tense: In addition to expressing hypotheticals, the Spanish conditional tense can also serve as a polite way to make requests. For example, instead of saying Préstame tu libro (Lend me your book), you could say ¿Me prestarías tu libro? (Would you lend me your book?)
• Use the verb poder and an infinitive: In a question, puedes means “can you.” So instead of saying Saca la basura (Take out the trash), you can ask ¿ Puedes sacar la basura? (Can you take out the trash?)
• Use the present simple like a question: This one might not be in any grammar books, but I hear Spanish speakers do it all the time. Instead of saying Pásame la sal (Pass the salt) for example, you could say ¿ Me pasas la sal?
• Use the infinitive verb: You’ll often see this form when the command is directed to the general public, such as on signs ( No fumar — No smoking), or when giving step-by-step instructions, such as in a recipe ( Mezclar la harina y la mantequilla   — Mix the flour and butter.)

While you can certainly study when to use Spanish commands, the best way to learn when the different forms are appropriate is by observing native speakers.

If you’ve ever watched a  telenovela or Spanish movie , I’m sure you’ve heard a handful of Spanish commands. You’ll also find an abundance of them when using an online immersion program like FluentU .

Now that we’ve gone over how to form commands in Spanish, it’s time to test your knowledge! Take the quiz below and just refresh the page if you want to start over or retake it. 

Spanish commands are useful for learners at all levels and can be used in various social situations.

Plus, practicing the  mandato  form forces you to brush up on your present simple indicative and subjunctive conjugations, which is great practice for beginners.

So, get studying (¡ponte a estudiar!) and you’ll have Spanish commands down in no time.

Enter your e-mail address to get your free PDF!

We hate SPAM and promise to keep your email address safe

Spanish Language Center       Lección 2-20 Commands   Formal Commands   Tome su café.   Commands are used when ordering, or telling someone to do something. This is often referred to as the "imperative" form of the verb. Compre Ud. el anillo. (You) Buy the ring. Haga Ud. la tarea. (You) Do the homework. Compren Uds. los libros. (You-all) Buy the books. Hagan Uds. el trabajo. (You-all) Do the work. By now, you are well acquainted with the fact that Spanish has both a formal and an informal style of speech (tú / Ud.). This distinction applies to commands. Compre Ud. el anillo. Buy the ring. (formal) Compra (tú) los dulces. Buy the candy. (familiar) Informal, or familiar, speech is used among friends, coworkers, relatives, or when addressing a child. Formal speech is generally used to be polite or to express respect. For that reason, the formal commands are often referred to as polite commands . The formal commands are formed the same way as the present subjunctive: 1. Start with the yo form of the present indicative. 2. Then drop the -o ending. 3. Finally, add the following endings: -ar verbs: -e (for Ud.), -en (for Uds.) -er and -ir verbs: -a (for Ud.), -an (for Uds.) The following examples of formal commands use three regular verbs: hablar, comer, and escribir. Hable Ud. más lentamente. Hablen Uds. más lentamente. Speak more slowly. Coma Ud. la cena. Coman Uds. la cena. Eat the dinner. Escriba Ud. la carta. Escriban Uds. la carta. Write the letter. Remember, if the first person singular (yo) form is irregular, that irregularity is carried over into the formation of the formal command. Tengan Uds. un buen viaje. (yo tengo) Have a good trip. Traiga Ud. el dinero. (yo traigo) Bring the money. Venga Ud. conmigo. (yo vengo) Come with me. This also applies to stem-changing verbs. Cuente Ud. sus beneficios. (yo cuento) Count your blessings. Vuelvan Uds. pronto. (yo vuelvo) Return quickly. Pida dinero. (yo pido) Ask for money. As with the present subjunctive, the following verbs are irregular: dar dé Ud. den Uds. estar esté Ud. estén Uds. ir vaya Ud. vayan Uds. ser sea Ud. sean Uds. saber sepa Ud. sepan Uds. Note that affirmative and negative commands use the same verb forms. Hable Ud. Speak. No hable Ud. Don't speak. Coma Ud. Eat. No coma Ud. Don't eat. Escriba Ud. Write. No escriba Ud. Don't write. Also note that the subject pronouns Ud. and Uds. may or may not be used. Using them adds a degree of formality or politeness to the command. Hable. Speak. Hable Ud. Speak (sir). (more respectful) Coma. Eat. Coma Ud. Eat (sir). (more polite) Irregular Formal Commands (Imperative) Same irregulars as the present subjunctive forms dar dé Ud. den Uds. estar esté Ud. estén Uds. ir vaya Ud. vayan Uds. ser sea Ud. sean Uds. saber sepa Ud. sepan Uds.   Formal Commands A. Write the imperative form for the given verb and pronoun. Buy the book. (comprar) Ud. el libro. Bring the food. (traer) Uds. la comida. Don't cry so much. (llorar) No Ud. tanto. Don't smoke here, please. (fumar) No Uds. aquí, por favor. Read the book. (leer) Ud. el libro. Go with her. (ir) Uds. con ella. Dial the number. (marcar) Ud. el número. Don't sleep. (dormir) No Uds. Stir the rice. (agitar) Ud. el arroz. Listen, please. (oír) Ud., por favor. Turn left. (doblar) Ud. a la izquierda. Open your books. (abrir) Uds. sus libros. Come back tomorrow. (volver) Ud. mañana. Don't bring the car. (traer) No Uds. el coche. Don't go with John. (ir) No Ud. con Juan. Be good. (ser) Ud. bueno. Don't buy that house. (comprar) No Uds. esa casa. Don't be bad. (ser) No Uds. malas. Open the window. (abrir) Ud. la ventana. Don't turn right. (doblar) No Uds. a la derecha.

Informal Commands ("tú")

In the previous lesson, you learned that commands are used when ordering, or telling someone to do something. This is often referred to as the "imperative" form of the verb.

Remember that Spanish has both a formal and an informal style of speech (tú/Ud.). This distinction applies to commands.

Remember, formal speech is generally used to be polite or to express respect. Informal, or familiar, speech is used among friends, coworkers, relatives, or when addressing a child.

The affirmative informal (tú) commands are formed the same way as the present indicative Ud. form:

Be sure to note that the "tú" commands use the usted form, not the tú form!

The following examples of commands use three regular verbs: hablar, comer, and escribir.

Note that the negative informal commands use the tú form of the present subjunctive.

Be sure to note that this is the tú form!

Compare the affirmative informal (tú) commands with the negative informal (tú) commands:

Also note that the subject pronoun tú is not normally used with imperative form.

Informal Commands (tú)

A. Choose the correct answer, in order to create a command in the "tú" form.

• Don't read the magazine. No lees leas lee la revista.

Irregular Commands ("tú")

The following eight verbs have irregular familiar commands in the affirmative:

Note that these irregularities only occur with affirmative tú commands. As with all other verbs, to form negative informal commands with these verbs, use the "tú" form of the present subjunctive.

Using Object Pronouns with Commands

With all affirmative commands, the object pronouns are attached directly to the end of the imperative form of the verb.

If both direct and indirect object pronouns are attached, the indirect object pronoun comes before the direct object pronoun.

Note that in order to maintain the original stress of the verb, a written accent is often needed. If the command has more than one syllable, a written accent is required when one or more pronoun is added.

If the command has only one syllable, a written accent is only necessary when two pronouns are added.

These rules for accentuation apply to all affirmative imperative forms.

With all negative commands, the object pronouns come before the imperative form of the verb.

If there are both direct and indirect object pronouns, the indirect object pronoun comes before the direct object pronoun.

Remember the rule regarding two object pronouns: whenever both pronouns begin with the letter "l" change the first pronoun to "se."

A. Use the information in parenthesis to translate the following sentences. Do not include the subject pronoun in your answer. (The subject pronoun is underlined in parenthesis.)

• Do it for me. (hacer / tú / el trabajo) .

First Person Commands ("nosotros")

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

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

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."

But not with negative commands.

Nosotros Commands

A. Write the necessary word(s) to form a correct translation.

• Let's get up. (levantarse) .  

Spanish Commands

Formal Commands To form a formal command in Spanish for verbs ending in “AR” you add “e” to command one person (usted) and you add “en” to command a groups of people (ustedes). For example: to tell one person to “talk” it would be: “Hable”. To tell more than one person to talk it would be: “Hablen”

To form a formal command for a verb ending in “ER” or “IR” you add “a” to command one person and “an” to command more than one person. For example: to tell one person to “eat” (Comer) = “Coma”. To tell more than one person to eat is “Coman”. To tell one person to write (escribir) is “Escriba” and more than one person is “Escriban”.

Commanding One Person in the “Usted” Form:

Hablar = To talk

Él habla = He talks. Ella habla = She talks. Hable= Talk. (command)

He talks with the teacher. = Él habla con el maestro. Talk with the teacher. = Hable con el maestro.

Caminar = To walk

Él camina. = He walks. Ella camina. = She walks. Camine. = Walk. (command)

He walks to the class. = Él camina a la clase. Walk to class. = Camine a la clase.

Comer = To eat

Ella come. = She eats. Coma por favor. = Please eat.

Bob eats in the cafeteria. = Bob come en la cafetería. Bob, eat in the cafeteria now. = Bob, coma en la cafetería ahora.

Escribir = To write

Ella escribe. = She writes. Escriba por favor. = Please write.

Julia escribe una carta. = Julia writes a card. Julia, escriba una carta. = Julia, write a card.

Commanding More Than One Person:

Ellos hablan. = They talk. Ustedes hablan. = All of you talk. Hablen. = Talk. (all of you)

Ellos hablan con el maestro. = They talk with the teacher. Ustedes hablan con el maestro. = All of you talk with the teacher. Hablen con el maestro. = Talk to the teacher. (Commanding two or more people to talk with the teacher.)

Ellos comen. = They eat. Ustedes comen. = All of you eat. Coman. = Eat. (all of you) Ustedes comen a las doce. = All of you eat at twelve. Coman a las doce. = Eat at twelve.

Ellas escriben. = They write. Escriban, por favor. = Write, please. (all of you) Ustedes escriben su nombre en el cuaderno. = All of you write your name. (statement) Escriban se nombre en el cuaderno. = Write your names in the notebook. (Command)

For any of the verbs that have irregular conjugations in the present tense you need to use that form when you make the verb a command. As a rule, always use the first person conjugation of the irregular verb in the present tense.

Pensar = To think

Pienso = I think. Piense = Think. (Commanding one person formally)

Salir – To leave

Salgo = I leave Salga = Leave. (Commanding one person formally)

Entender = To understand

Entiendo = I understand Entienda = Understand. (Commanding one person formally)

Informal Commands

To command one person to something informally you conjugate to the third person of that verb in the present tense. The majority of Spanish speakers in the world will use the formal command when talking to more than one person. This is covered above.

Hablar = To talk Él habla. = He talks. Ella habla = She talks. Habla = Talk. (informal command)

He talks with the teacher. = Él habla con el maestro. Talk with the teacher. = Habla con el maestro.

Él camina. = He walks. Ella camina. = She walks. Camina. = Walk. (informal command)

He walks to the class. = Él camina a la clase. Walk to class. = Camina a la clase.

Ella come. = She eats. Come por favor. = Please eat.

Bob eats in the cafeteria. = Bob come en la cafetería.

Bob, eat in the cafeteria now. = Bob, come en la cafetería ahora.

Ella escribe. = She writes. Escribe por favor. = Please write.

Julia escribe una carta. = Julia writes a card. Julia, escribe una carta. = Julia, write a card.

There are several verbs that are irregular in their informal command form. They are as follows:

decir – di hacer – haz ir – ve poner – pon salir – sal ser – sé tener – ten venir – ven

Dime tú nombre. = Tell me your name. Ven aquí = Come here. Haz la tarea. = Do the homework.

Making Negative Commands

To make negative commands you put “no” in front of the command form for formal commands (Usted and Ustedes):

*Remember that “ustedes” means “you” plural. In the north they say “you guys” and in the south it is “ya’ll”

Hablar = To speak

Hable = Speak (formal command) No hable = Don’t speak. (formal command) Hablen = (All of you ) speak. No hablen = Don’t speak. (ustedes form)

Coma = Eat. (formal command) No coma = Don’t eat. (formal command) Coman = (All of you) eat. No coman. = Don’t eat. (all of you)

Escriba = Write. (formal command) No escriba = Don’t write. (formal command) Escriban = Write (all of you). No escriban = Don’t write (all of you).

Traer = To bring

Traiga = Bring. (formal command for Usted form) No traiga = Don’t bring No traigan = Don’t bring (all of you)

To make negative commands for informal commands you you change the the verb to the spelling you used for the formal usted command and add an “s”. I know… what were they thinking!!! I didn’t make this stuff up.

Don’t speak. = No hables (informal) Don’t speak = No hable (formal)

Don’t eat = No comas (informal) Don’t eat = No coma

Don’t leave = No salgas (informal) Don’t leave = No salga (formal)

Spanish Commands: Formal, Informal, Conjugations & Uses

Spanish commands are formed with the imperative mood. To put it another way, the Spanish imperative is a verb conjugation used to give direct orders, instructions or advice, or instructions, and make requests to someone.  

Commands are key for many daily life interactions. So, in this guide, you’ll learn how to form and use the imperative mood in Spanish. Here is an overview of the topics we’ll cover: 

Affirmative commands

Negative commands.

• Irregular Imperatives
• Accent rules for commands
• How to Use the Imperative
• Bonus: Conjugation Tips for the Imperative
• Practice Quiz
• Downloadable PDF

A word of encouragement : Learning new conjugations can seem overwhelming. Good news, though! You already know certain rules that you can leverage to form the imperative. There may be some endings you probably don’t know yet, but you’ll be able to learn them quickly and use them as your Spanish improves. 🙂 

How to Form Commands in Spanish

Spanish commands are classified into affirmative and negative commands:

• Positive commands: we order someone to do something. 
• Negative commands : we request someone not to do something. 

The imperative in Spanish ONLY has four forms (subjects) :

• Tú (informal)
• Usted (formal)
• Vosotros (informal)
• Ustedes (formal)

When giving commands in Spanish, we address people directly. As a result, you can only conjugate the imperative with the subject pronouns listed above. Additionally, depending on who you’re addressing, you’d use commands formally , informally , in plural or singular form.

In the sections below, you’ll find the endings and conjugation rules to form the imperative in Spanish. 

Take Note: The imperative is not a Spanish tense but rather a mood. A verb mood is the manner in which an action can be expressed. In Spanish, there are three moods – indicative, subjunctive, and imperative . 

Spanish affirmative commands

Affirmative commands, also known as positive commands, are used to tell someone to do something . Here is a table with the endings for affirmative commands in Spanish. Notice that you’ll use the same endings for – er and -ir verbs .

Note: To conjugate vosotros, replace the ‘r’ of the infinitive form with a ‘ d ’. For example, ‘hablar’ would become ‘hablad’.

Using formal or informal commands in Spanish is related to choosing between formal and informal ‘you’ . Use informal Spanish commands (tú) with friends, relatives, and people your age. Use formal affirmative commands to show deference and respect. 

Informal command:

¡ Abre la puerta, Clara! Clara, open the door!

Formal command:

Señora, abra la puerta, por favor. Ma’am, open the door, please.

Tip: Notice that in the table above, the affirmative endings for ‘tú’ and ‘usted’ swap the present endings. To put it simply, in the imperative, the present endings for -AR verbs will be used for -ER/-IR verbs, and vice versa.

If, instead of addressing a single person, you need to tell a group of people what to do, you’ll use plural commands (‘ustedes’ and ‘vosotros’). 

Prestad atención, chicos. Pay attention, guys.

Apaguen las luces, por favor. Turn the lights off , please.

Take Note: Although the imperative only has four accepted forms, you may also find sentences with nosotros. These commands express what we must or should do and are formed using the present subjunctive form of ‘nosotros’. The imperative of ‘nosotros’ means “ let’s [do something]”, and it’s not nearly as common as the other imperative forms. 

Hablemos con ella. 

Let’s talk with her. 

Corramos más tarde, por favor. 

Let’s run later, please. 

The Spanish negative imperative is used to order someone not to do something. To do this, you must place no before the conjugated verb. The endings to form the negative imperative are: 

Below are some examples of how to use the negative imperative. Although ‘no’ is the most common negative word we use in situations where we’re giving commands, we can also use other negative words such as nunca and jamás. 

[Negative word] + [negative imperative]

No le digas nada a tu hermana. Don’t say anything to your sister.

No comáis comida chatarra. Don’t eat junk food.

Nunca hablen con extraños. Never speak with strangers.

No se preocupe , su orden ya casi está lista. Don’t worry, your order is almost ready.

Take Note: The negative imperative endings are the same endings you’ll use to conjugate the present subjunctive. 

Irregular Imperative in Spanish

Irregular imperatives for informal affirmative commands ( tú ) include the following verbs: 

• Venir – Ven
• Decir – Di 
• Salir – Sal
• Hacer – Haz
• Tener – Ten 
• Poner – Pon
• Saber/Ser – Sé
• Ir – Ve

A few years ago, I saw a mnemonic that can help you remember most of these irregular imperatives: 

Irregular imperatives for ‘usted’ and ‘ustedes’ also have a key pattern. In the present tense, certain verbs are only irregular in the first person (yo). Those verbs also affect the imperative forms of ustedes and usted. 

In other words, the subject pronouns usted and ustedes reuse the irregular stems we use in the present tense form of ‘yo’. Check these examples. ‘Yo pong o’, ‘yo teng o’ and ‘yo dig o’ become:

Pong an eso en su lugar. Put that back in its place.

Teng a sus papeles listos. Have your papers ready.

No dig a eso. Do not say that.

The irregular patterns for ‘usted’ and ‘ustedes’ you learned above do not apply to ‘ ser’ and ‘ ir’ : 

Tip: Remember that to form the negative imperative for ‘tú’, you simply need to add an ‘s’ to the endings for usted. 

¡ No seas grosero! Don’t be rude!

Oye, no vayas al centro, está llenísimo. Don’t go downtown; it’s crowded.

Take Note: As you’ve probably noticed, most imperative conjugations are based on the present tense. This means that stem-changing verbs in the present tense will have the same spelling changes in the imperative. Look at these examples with dormir and cerrar :

Duérmete , por favor. Go to sleep, please.

No cierren la puerta. Don’t close the door.

Attaching pronouns to commands in Spanish

When giving commands in Spanish, certain verbs require you to work with direct object or reflexive pronouns . However, there are some placement rules you must keep in mind . 

With Spanish affirmative commands , the pronoun must be attached to the verb: 

Bañá te . Shower.

Ciérra las , por favor. Close them , please.

Díga nos en qué podemos ayudarle. Tell us how we can help you.

If you’re using both direct and indirect object pronouns, you’ll still attach the pronouns to the verb, but you’ll use this order: 

[Imperative verb] + [indirect object pronoun] + [direct object pronoun]

Comé telas . Eat them .

Dá selo . Give them to him.

On the other hand, negative commands have the pronouns placed in front of the conjugated verb:

[No] + [pronoun] + [imperative verb]

No te las comas. Don’t eat them .

No la abras. Don’t open it .

Accent rules for Spanish commands

As you probably noticed, most imperative verbs with a pronoun attached to them have an accent mark. If the stressed syllable is placed in the third or fourth syllable , we must add a written accent. 

The graphic below can help you understand these accent rules: 

Commands with less than two syllables do not have an accent:

Da me otra papa. Give me another chip.

Take Note: Dé is the only command with one syllable with an accent mark. This exception distinguishes between the command and the preposition ‘de’. 

How & When to Use the Imperative in Spanish

The imperative in Spanish is used to: 

• Give direct orders and instructions

Lea las instrucciones con cuidado. Read the instructions carefully.

Dele estas formas a mi compañera. Give these forms to my colleague.

• Make suggestions or requests

Perdóname , por favor. Forgive me , please.

Abran las ventanas si tienen calor. Open the windows if you’re warm.

• Give advice 

Mejor no le digas nada. You better not say anything.

Llega cinco minutos antes. Arrive five minutes early.

Based on these applications, you may use the imperative in Spanish to instruct others, such as in user manuals, recipes, emails, or when commanding someone to do something. 

Tip: Spanish infinitives can also be used to give commands or instructions without addressing someone in particular. You can find these instructions on signs in libraries and buildings. For example, ‘no fumar’, ‘no correr’, etc.

Bonus: 8 Conjugation Tips for the Spanish Imperative Mood

If you’re struggling with learning more endings, here are some conjugation tips that can make Spanish commands easier to conjugate. 

• Affirmative commands with ‘ vosotros ’ are formed by replacing the ‘ r ’ of the infinitive verb with ‘d’ .

Niños, id con su papá. Kids, go with your dad.

¡Empezad ! tenéis treinta minutos. Start, you have thirty minutes.

• Informal commands ( tú) are heavily based on the present tense form of ‘tú’. Delete the ‘s ’ from the present tense conjugation to form the imperative. For example, tú corre s becomes: 

Corre más rápido. Run faster.

• Take the conjugation for ‘yo’ in the present tense . 
• For -AR verbs, replace the present ending (‘o’) with the imperative ending ‘ e ’. 
• For -ER and -IR verbs, replace the present ending with the imperative ending ‘ a ’. 

Pase , por favor. Come in , please.

Escriba su nombre. Write your name.

• Plural commands with ustedes are also heavily based on the present tense. To form the imperative, we’ll take the present endings and swap them . In other words, the present endings for -AR verbs will be used for -ER/-IR verbs, and vice versa. 

Ustedes com en and ustedes cant an become:

Com an verdura. Eat vegetables.

Cant en más alto. Sing lauder.

• Since the imperative takes after the present tense, the imperative forms reflect stem changes . 

S ié ntese, por favor. Sit , please.

Lle gue n temprano, por favor. Arrive early, please.

• Usted and ustedes use the same endings as the Spanish affirmative imperative.

Tom en asiento. Have a seat.

No tom en más coca. Don’t drink more coke.

• To form negative informal commands ( tú,) add an ‘s’ to the endings for ‘usted’. 

Usted negative command:

No abra la puerta. Don’t open the door.

Tú negative command:

No abra s la ventana. Don’t open the window.

• With negative commands for ‘vosotros’ we swap the present tense endings . In other words, the -ER endings for the present tense will be used for -AR verbs in the imperative form and vice versa. So, vosotros habláis and vosotros bebéis become: 

No habl éi s en clase. Don’t talk in class.

No beb ái s eso. Don’t drink that.

The Spanish imperative is applied in many daily life situations. Here are some key points you should keep in mind: 

• The imperative in Spanish is a verb form used to give commands, instructions, advice, suggestions, and requests. 
• In Spanish, the imperative is used with four subject pronouns : tú, usted, vosotros, and ustedes. 
• Affirmative commands are used to tell people what to do , whereas negative commands tell people what not to do . 
• The imperative endings are the same for -ER and -IR verbs. 
• With affirmative commands , direct, indirect, and reflexive pronouns must be attached to the verb. 
• Commands with more than two syllables have an accent on the vowel of the stressed syllable. 
• Infinitives in Spanish are used to give commands on written signs.

Practice Quiz: Spanish Commands

If you want to practice the imperative, you should take this quiz on Spanish imperatives .

Download the Spanish Commands & Imperative Mood Cheat Sheets

Remembering all of the rules, tips and conjugations for the Spanish Imperative mood can be tricky. Please feel free to download the PDF with notes, graphics, conjugations, and key points on understanding and using commands in Spanish!

Daniela Sanchez

¡Hola! Soy Daniela Sanchez, I've been studying Spanish professionally as well as teaching it in Mexico and online for over 10 years. I’ve taught Spanish to a wide array of foreigners from many backgrounds. Over the years, I've made it my mission to work hard on refining many challenging to understand grammar topics to make my students' learning experiences easier, faster and more enjoyable. Read More About Me

Recent Posts

Muy vs Mucho: Key Differences Explained (+ Examples)

Muy means ‘very’. It intensifies the qualities described by an adjective or another adverb. Mucho is the equivalent of ‘a lot’ or ‘very much’, and it conveys the intensity or degree of an...

Haber vs Tener: Key Differences You Must Know

As key Spanish verbs, mastering the haber vs tener topic is crucial to have effective conversations in Spanish. Son, in this article, you’ll learn the differences and uses of these...

Pin It on Pinterest

Input your search keywords and press Enter.

Secondary Spanish Space

Spanish Teachers Sharing Ideas

Spanish Commands Activities and Lesson Plans

There are a lot of intricacies and nuances to teaching Spanish commands.  You start thinking, “No problem – commands – piece of cake”, but then you realize that students get confused by positive and negative commands.  Next, you add the Ud., Uds. forms and pretty soon your students’ heads are spinning.  No worries! Here at SecondarySpanishSpace, we’ve got you covered with Spanish commands activities, teaching tips, lesson plans, songs, and videos.

Start by grabbing your F ree Spanish Commands Formation Guide in the World Language Cafe Free Resource Library .

Spanish Commands Teaching Tips

1. don’t introduce all the forms at once..

As a newer teacher, I used to teach big chunks of information all at once (ex. tú affirmative, negative, and irregulars all in one day).  After a while, I learned that it was much better to make sure students mastered one part before adding more (ex. tú + one day, tú – another day, tú irregulars another day).

2.  Practice with verb flashcards .

Hold up a card and randomly call on a student to say the command and the meaning.  If you call on the students randomly, they have to pay more attention.  Afterward, ask students to write a sentence with some of the more tricky commands because writing reinforces what they’re learning. Variation:   Play Around the World.  Get game instructions in my 50 Review Games – free in my Resource Library (see below).

3. Teach students that the “Go-Go verbs get “gas” in the negative form.  

The boys, especially, think this is very funny because anything having to do with farting is hysterical in middle school or high school. Ex. hago, digo, vengo, pongo, salgo, tengo, No ha gas , no di gas , no ven gas , no pon gas , no sal gas , no ten gas

4. Teach the irregulars song.

A student of mine came up with this handy song and it worked like magic.  Now I’m not a singer, so don’t laugh when you listen to this, but I wanted to give you an idea of how it sounds.

Have students stand up and march around the room following you like little ducklings until this song is stuck in their heads forever (ha, ha, ha – insert evil Spanish teacher laugh here).

Haz, ve, (pause and students repeat) Di, sé, (pause and students repeat) Haz, ve, di, sé, ten, ven, (pause) sal, pon (Do this part altogether).

4. Say common commands and have the students act them out.

Examples:  Báñate, Levántate, Vístete.

Throw in silly ones, too, such as Aféitate las piernas (Shave your legs – the boys think this is funny), Lávate el ombligo (Wash your belly button), etc.  Use gestures and silly sentences to help them remember the most common expressions.

Ex.  (Gesture: Beckon with your hand).  Mark, ven conmigo a la puerta.  Rose, ven conmigo al escritorio de Pablo.  Tim, ven conmigo a la fiesta. etc. (Silly Sentence) Juan, ten cuidado, hay una abeja encima de tu nariz.  Suzy, ten cuidado, algo va a caer encima de tu cabeza. etc.

5.  Create situations to use the irregulars and practice just one irregular at a time until they master it.

Ex.  Have a student take someone’s pencil/pen and ask, “Carlos, dime la verdad. ¿Tomaste mi lápiz?” Jorge, dime, ¿quién es tu cantante favorite? Dime un secreto, tu nombre entero, quién va a ganar The Bachelor, the Superbowl, the game between your school and a rival, etc., quién es el padre del bebé de Lucía.

Spanish Commands Songs

There are sooo many good Spanish commands songs and students usually relate well to songs.  Try teaching gestures for keywords before the song and have them do the gestures when they hear them.  Here are 3 of my favorites:

• No te metas a mi Facebook – Catchy song in Spanish. Karaoke Version
• Mueve tu cuerpo – By Beyoncé in Spanish with subtitles in Spanish.  Students write the commands they see and then do simple gestures to mimic keywords or get up and dance.
• Bésala – Disney song in Spanish with Spanish and English subtitles.  Students write the commands.

1. What Are You Doing?

Team A gives a command to Team B (Uds. form if more than one person, tú form if one person).  The person/people in Team B must do or pretend to do the command.  While they are acting out the command, they think of another command to tell Team A. Team A must do the command and then say another command to the others.   Each team must keep doing the action until they are given a new command. Keep going until one team can’t think of any more commands.  The other team is the winner.  Start again.

In Class: Split into groups of 4, 2 for Team A and 2 for Team B. Remote:  Same thing in breakout rooms.

2. Simón Dice (in class or remote)

Simon Says with commands.  Be as creative as possible!

3. Ladder Game

Divide the students into 3-4 teams (depending on your class size). Remote Learners: Write each answer on their own on a piece of paper and then will add up all their team points at the end. In Class:  Students sit with their teams in rows perpendicular to the chalkboard.

The first person from each team goes to the board and draws a ladder with 3 rungs. Say a command or a sentence with a command and students write the answer on the bottom rung.  The first team with the correct answer gets to keep their answer on the rung and the other teams have to erase their answers (or you can play that anyone with a correct answer keeps their answer, as long as they weren’t looking at the other teams’ answers).

If the person at the board is stuck and can’t come up with the answer, they may pass the chalk to the next teammate. A team wins when they “climb to the top of the ladder” by getting three correct answers.  Give them one point and have everyone start again with a fresh ladder.

1. Pamphlet Project 

Students work in groups to write a trifold pamphlet promoting an imaginary camp or gym.  They include commands:  Ex.  Come to our gym.  Lift weights, Meet new people, etc.

2. Parent/Child, Teacher/Student, Good Cop/Bad Cop

One student is the parent and the other student is the child.  Students practice giving each other commands in their new roles.  For good cop, bad cop, the student has one person on either side.  The person on the left is giving good advice and the person on the right is giving bad advice.  Ex.  Do your homework.  Don’t do your homework; play video games.

3. Design T-Shirts

Draw a template of a T-shirt outline on 1/2 page of paper and make copies for students.  They create a command slogan, show it to you for approval, and then color the T-shirt with the slogan.  Hang the T-shirts with paper clips on a string in class.  Let students vote for their favorites.

4. Create Command Wall Decor

Students make their own posters/lists of advice or sign for how to live life using commands in Spanish.  Ex.  Eat your vegetables.  Dance like no one is watching. Share.  Dream big.

5. Chain of Command

Each student receives a slip of paper telling them to do something when somebody else does something different.  The teacher starts the chain and the students do what their slips say at the appropriate moments. Try to make the actions funny. 1. Cuando alguien aplauda diez veces, deja caer tu libro en el suelo. 2. Cuando alguien deje caer su libro, escribe, “Me encanta la clase de español,” en la pizarra. 3. Cuando alguien escriba en la pizarra, levántate y salta cinco veces.

6.  Recipe Project

Students write a script of how to prepare a simple recipe, turn it in so you can check it over and make corrections.  Then they film themselves making the recipe.  They may want to prep some of the steps ahead of time.

Resources for Teaching Commands

2 Week Commands Unit Everything you need to teach commands from start to finish!

Spanish Commands Healthy Eating Readings  

Spanish Verb Flashcards  

Watch these recipe videos and have students write down commands that they see. ** Warning:  Watching these recipes may make your mouth water.

1. Making Flan , 2 min. – Words in Spanish.

2. Pastel de tres leches , 5 min. – Words in Spanish.

3. Chiles en nogada , 4 min. – Traditional Mexican recipe because it has the 3 colors of the Mexican flag.

Grammar Videos

1. Positive Tú Commands , 5 min.

2. Tú + Commands with Pronouns , 7 min.

3. Negative Tú Commands with Pronouns , 8 min.

4. Usted and Ustedes Commands , 11 min.

5. Ud . and Uds. Commands with Pronouns , 11 min.

Hope you find these Spanish commands activities and lesson plans helpful!

World Language Cafe by Sherry Sebesta

Related posts.

Spanish Time Activities, Lessons

Day of the Dead Crafts, Activities

End-of-Year Activities to Keep Everyone Sane

No comments, leave a reply cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

I accept the Privacy Policy

Current ye ignore me @r *

Leave this field empty

We're a group of six Spanish teachers who love to collaborate and share ideas to help lighten your teaching load. Read More

Authentic Resources

Back to spanish class, cinco de mayo, classroom management, search the blog, latest posts.

Classroom Routines for Spanish class

1 Easy Tip to Keep Multiple Classes on the Same Pace

Free Online Conference for Spanish Teacher Summer PD

9 engaging Spanish ideas for Before & After Winter Break

Follow us on:.

The LEAF Project

• Language Learning
• Research Projects
• Folium: Living Global
• Terra: Phototravel
• Aero: Study Abroad @ FLCC

Spanish Vocabulary: Classroom Commands

Posted by LEAF Architect on Friday, September 19, 2014 · Leave a Comment  

Creative Commons Image via The LEAF Project

Category: Spanish Vocabulary Lessons · Tags: clase , classroom , commands , español , mandatos , spanish , vocabulario , vocabulary

Recent Posts

• Overwatch – Overanalyzed – Emotional Intelligence / Discipline and Tilt
• Spanish Grammar: Imperfect Past Tense with Regular [-IR] Verbs
• Overwatch – Overanalyzed – Shotcalling and Targeting

All  Resources from The LEAF Project are protected under the Creative Commons License.  CC Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International .

You must be logged in to post a comment.

• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• Mexican Spanish

Commands With Pronouns Spanish

Are you ready to take control of your Spanish commands? Well, buckle up because we’re about to dive into the world of commands with pronouns.

In this article, we’ll break down the different types of commands, show you where to place pronouns, and help you master both affirmative and negative commands.

Don’t worry if you’ve made some mistakes in the past – we’ve got you covered. So, get ready to become a pro at giving directions and making requests in Spanish!

Key Takeaways

• Reflexive verbs in commands have the reflexive pronoun attached to the end of the verb.
• Indirect object pronouns in commands also need to be attached to the end of the verb.
• Placing the pronoun before the verb is a common mistake in Spanish commands.
• The pronoun should be attached to the end of the verb and come before any other elements in the sentence.

Types of Commands With Pronouns

You need to be familiar with the different types of commands with pronouns in order to use them correctly.

In Spanish, when using reflexive verbs in commands, the reflexive pronoun is attached to the end of the verb. For example, if you want to say ‘Wash your hands,’ you’d say ‘Lávate las manos.’ The reflexive pronoun ‘te’ is added to the verb ‘lavar’ to indicate that the action is being done to oneself.

When using indirect object pronouns in commands, they also need to be attached to the end of the verb. For instance, if you want to say ‘Give me the book,’ you’d say ‘Dame el libro.’ The indirect object pronoun ‘me’ is added to the verb ‘dar’ to indicate that the action is being done to the speaker.

Placement of Pronouns in Commands

His friend gave her a gift for her birthday, but she didn’t like it.

When giving commands in Spanish, it’s important to understand the correct placement of pronouns. Here are some common pronoun placement errors in Spanish commands:

Pronoun before the verb: Placing the pronoun before the verb is a common mistake. For example, saying ‘Me ayuda’ instead of ‘Ayúdame’ (Help me).

Pronoun after the verb but not attached: Another error is placing the pronoun after the verb but not attaching it. For instance, saying ‘Dame el libro’ instead of ‘Dámelo’ (Give me the book).

Pronoun attached to the wrong verb: Sometimes, the pronoun is attached to the wrong verb. It’s important to attach it to the correct verb. For example, saying ‘Voy a darlelo’ instead of ‘Voy a dárselo’ (I’m going to give it to him/her).

To effectively use pronouns in Spanish commands, here are some strategies:

• Attach the pronoun to the verb: The pronoun should be attached to the end of the verb.
• Maintain the correct order: The pronoun should follow the verb and come before any other elements in the sentence.
• Use accent marks: Accent marks are important when attaching pronouns to maintain the correct stress in the word.
• Practice and review: Regular practice and review of pronoun placement in commands will help reinforce the correct usage.

Affirmative Commands With Pronouns

Give me some of your favorite books, but don’t lend them to him.

Today, we’ll be discussing affirmative commands with pronouns in Spanish. In everyday situations, we often need to give instructions or commands to others, and it’s essential to know how to use pronouns correctly.

Some common verbs used in affirmative commands with pronouns include ‘dámelo’ (give it to me), ‘háblale’ (speak to him/her), and ‘escríbenos’ (write to us). These commands are formed by combining the verb with the appropriate pronoun and applying the necessary accent marks.

For example, if you want to tell someone to give you a book, you’d say ‘dámelo.’ Similarly, if you want to instruct someone to speak to your friend, you’d say ‘háblale.’

Understanding and practicing these commands will greatly enhance your ability to communicate effectively in Spanish.

Negative Commands With Pronouns

Don’t forget, it’s important to never let negativity and discouragement hold you back in life. When it comes to negative commands with pronouns in Spanish, there are some common errors that learners often make. These errors can affect the meaning of the command and cause confusion. To help you avoid these mistakes, here are some examples of negative commands with pronouns in everyday situations:

• No te levantes tarde. (Don’t wake up late.)
• No te olvides de hacer la tarea. (Don’t forget to do your homework.)
• No te preocupes por eso. (Don’t worry about that.)
• No te vayas sin decir adiós. (Don’t leave without saying goodbye.)

Common Mistakes With Commands and Pronouns

Are you struggling with remembering to attach pronouns to the end of your commands in Spanish? Make sure to pay attention to this common mistake and always place the pronoun before the verb with a hyphen. Pronoun placement is crucial in Spanish commands as it can change the meaning of the sentence. Here are some common errors to avoid and strategies to effectively incorporate pronouns into your Spanish commands:

One common mistake is attaching the pronoun directly to the verb without the hyphen, resulting in confusion. To avoid this, always remember to place the pronoun before the verb and separate them with a hyphen. Additionally, when using reflexive pronouns, make sure to place them before the verb as well. By following these strategies, you will be able to effectively incorporate pronouns into your Spanish commands and communicate more clearly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any exceptions to the placement rules of pronouns in spanish commands.

Yes, pronouns can be placed before or after the verb in Spanish commands, depending on the type of pronoun. Reflexive pronouns change in negative commands by adding "no" before the pronoun.

Can Pronouns Be Used in Both Affirmative and Negative Commands?

Yes, pronouns can be used in both affirmative and negative commands in Spanish. When using reflexive verbs in commands, the reflexive pronoun comes after the verb. Direct and indirect object pronouns are placed before the verb in commands.

How Do You Form Negative Commands With Pronouns in Spanish?

To form negative commands with pronouns in Spanish, you need to place the pronoun before the verb. Avoid making common pronoun placement errors, such as separating the pronoun from the verb.

What Are the Most Common Mistakes People Make When Using Pronouns in Spanish Commands?

When using pronouns in Spanish commands, it’s important to understand how reflexive pronouns change placement rules. Common errors occur with indirect object pronouns, like forgetting to attach them. Take your time and practice to avoid mistakes.

Are There Any Irregular Verbs That Behave Differently When Used With Pronouns in Commands?

When using pronouns in Spanish commands, some irregular verbs behave differently. Reflexive verbs, for example, change their pronoun placement. Regional variations also exist in the use of pronouns. Understanding these nuances is essential.

In conclusion, understanding commands with pronouns in Spanish is essential for effective communication. By placing the pronouns correctly and using affirmative or negative commands appropriately, you can convey your intentions clearly.

However, it’s common to make mistakes with commands and pronouns, which can lead to confusion. For example, imagine a student asking their teacher for help but accidentally using the wrong pronoun, resulting in the teacher misunderstanding their request and the student feeling frustrated and unheard.

Therefore, it’s crucial to practice and master these concepts to avoid such misunderstandings.

You May Also Like

Accents on spanish words.

Adjectival Clauses Spanish

5000 Most Common Spanish Words

Action Words in Spanish

Adjectives That Start With N in Spanish

Advanced Spanish Lessons

Spanish Commands

45. imperativo con tú, respuestas correctas.

PDF     –     Lección 45 del Podcast Spanish for Beginners Pedro

Traduce estas oraciones y usa la forma con tú del Imperativo

a) If you see my sister, please tell her that I have her book.

Si ves a mi hermana, por favor dile que tengo su libro.

b) Do you see those chairs? Please put them over there. Thank you.

¿Ves esas sillas? Por favor, ponlas allí. Gracias.

c) If you find my cellphone, please bring it here.

Si encuentras mi móvil, por favor tráelo aquí.

d) If you have not done your homework, please do it now.

Si no has hecho los deberes, por favor hazlos ahora.

e) Please, come here and tell me the whole story.

Por favor, ven aquí y cuéntame toda la historia.

f) Please, get up and take the dog for a walk.

Por favor, levántate y llévate al perro a pasear.

g) Please, send the flowers to our neighbour. Cut them a little bit first, please.

Por favor, envía las flores a nuestro vecino. Córtalas un poco primero, por favor.

h) Please, play with the children while I am cooking.

Por favor, juega con los niños mientras estoy cocinando.

i) Have you cleaned your room? Please, do it now.

¿Has limpiado tu habitación? Por favor, hazlo ahora.

j) – What should I do with the shoes? – Take them to the trashcan!

– ¿Qué hago con los zapatos? – ¡Llévalos a / Ponlos en / Tíralos a la papelera!

Gramática y ejercicios similares: lección 45   del Podcast Spanish for Beginners Pedro: PDFs   / Audios

Would you like to help me prepare more and more free exercises like this one? Some of the options will not cost you any money:

1. Write a positive review of the podcasts and the books   on the interntet: Amazon , Facebook…

2. Recommend these exercises to other students.

3. Subscribe on Patreon or on Spotify to the podcast Spanish for Beginners Easy : You will have access to thousands of sentences to practise speaking in Spanish.

4. Purchase the PDFs of the Podcast Spanish for Beginners Pedro : grammar, vocabulary, and exercises. 

5. Make a one-time donation on Buymeacoffee or directly on PayPal: Pedro Fernández Fanjul – [email protected]

• Pronunciation

THE BEST SPANISH-ENGLISH DICTIONARY

Get more than a translation, written by experts, translate with confidence, spanish and english example sentences, examples for everything, regional translations, say it like a local.

Making educational experiences better for everyone.

Immersive learning for 25 languages

Marketplace for millions of educator-created resources

Fast, easy, reliable language certification

Fun educational games for kids

Comprehensive K-12 personalized learning

Trusted tutors for 300+ subjects

35,000+ worksheets, games, and lesson plans

Adaptive learning for English vocabulary