Learn how to form and use the negative imperative in Spanish to give instructions or orders telling someone what not to do. This lesson explains the use of the present subjunctive for 'tú' and 'vosotros' forms, the placement of pronouns before the verb, and provides practical examples such as 'no trabajes' and 'no os quedéis'. Understand key differences between English and Spanish command structures, enhancing your conversational skills at the A2 level.
- For the second person singular tú, use the present subjunctive form.
- For second person plural vosotros, add '-éis'/'-áis'.
- With negatives, pronouns always go before the verb: no te quedes
| Persona (Person) | Forma (Form) | Ejemplo (Example) |
|---|---|---|
| Tú | No trabajes | No trabajes sin comunicarlo (Do not work without communicating it) |
| Vosotros | No trabajéis | No trabajéis sin apoyo. (Do not work without support.) |
| Tú + pronombre | No te quedes | No te quedes solo sin avisar. (Don't stay alone without letting anyone know.) |
| Vosotros + pronombre | No os quedéis | No os quedéis sin tareas. (Do not run out of tasks.) |
Exceptions!
- Always put no in front of the verb.
Exercise 1: El imperativo negativo
Instruction: Fill in the correct word.
trabajes, comáis, presentes, descanséis, ayudéis, hables, me llames, escuchéis
1.
Descansar (Vosotros):
No ... en el sofá, por favor.
(Do not rest on the sofa, please.)
2.
Trabajar (Tú):
No ... solo, puedes preguntar tu compañero.
(Don't work alone, you can ask your partner.)
3.
Comer (Vosotros):
No ... en la sala de reuniones, por favor.
(Do not eat in the meeting room, please.)
4.
Llamar + me: (Tú):
No ... si estás en la reunión.
(Don't call me if you are in the meeting.)
5.
Escuchar (Vosotros):
Chicos, no ... solo a un miembro del grupo.
(Guys, don't listen to only one member of the group.)
6.
Ayudar (Vosotros):
No ... sin consultar al jefe antes.
(Don't help without consulting the boss first.)
7.
Hablar (Tú):
Por favor, no ... durante la entrevista de trabajo.
(Please do not speak during the job interview.)
8.
Vivir (Tú):
No ... sin comunicarte con el equipo.
(Do not show up without contacting the team.)
Exercise 2: Multiple Choice
Instruction: Choose the correct sentence using the negative imperative in the second person to give orders or instructions related to teamwork. Identify the appropriate form of the present subjunctive with 'tú' or 'vosotros' and the correct position of the negative pronouns.
1.
Incorrect: this form is for 'vosotros', not 'tú'.
Incorrect: 'hablas' is indicative, not the present subjunctive needed for the negative imperative.
2.
Incorrect: 'envías' is an indicative form from another person and dialect, not valid here.
Incorrect: use of the infinitive instead of the present subjunctive for the negative imperative.
3.
Incorrect position of the pronoun 'te'; it must go before the verb, not after.
Incorrect: 'olvidas' is indicative, not negative imperative.
4.
Incorrect placement of the pronoun and verb in indicative instead of subjunctive.
Incorrect verb form and inappropriate pronunciation for the negative imperative.