Notes:
Commands are used when ordering, or telling someone to do something. This is often referred to as the
imperative form of the verb.
The formal commands are formed the same way as the present subjunctive:
The following examples of formal commands use three regular verbs: hablar, comer, and escribir.
dar
d Ud.
den Uds.
estar
est Ud.
estn 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.
Dont speak.
Coma Ud.
Eat.
No coma Ud.
Dont eat.
Escriba Ud.
Write.
No escriba Ud.
Dont 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)
Lets add two flashcards for the formal commands:
VERB FLASHCARDS
COMPLETE LIST
Hable Ud.
Speak.
No hable Ud.
Dont speak.
Coma Ud.
Eat.
No coma Ud.
Dont eat.
Escriba Ud.
Write.
No escriba Ud.
Dont write.
Irregular Formal Commands (Imperative)
Same irregulars as the present subjunctive forms
dar
d Ud.
den Uds.
estar
est Ud.
estn Uds.
ir
vaya Ud.
vayan Uds.
ser
sea Ud.
sean Uds.
saber
sepa Ud.
sepan Uds.