Commands and the Imperative in Italian: A Clear Guide
In Italian, the imperative mood is used to give commands or instructions. It can be directed towards someone informally or formally. Understanding the differences in conjugation for these forms is essential for effective communication.
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The rule
The imperative for informal 'you' (tu) is formed by using the second person singular of the present tense, often dropping the final 's' in the affirmative. For formal 'you' (Lei), the imperative uses the third person singular of the present tense. To form negative commands, you use 'non' before the verb in the infinitive form.
Commands and the Imperative at a glance
| Form | Affirmative | Negative |
|---|---|---|
| Informal (tu) | Parla! | Non parlare! |
| Formal (Lei) | Parli! | Non parli! |
| Informal (noi) | Parliamo! | Non parliamo! |
| Informal (voi) | Parlate! | Non parlate! |
Imperative forms of the verb 'parlare' (to speak)
Examples you can say out loud
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Frequently asked questions
How do I form the negative command for 'tu'?
You simply place 'non' before the infinitive form of the verb, for example, 'non mangiare'.