Desires and wishes
Deseos y anhelos
- Talk about unfullfilled wishes and desires.
- The negative imperative: irregular verbs
Learn to use the negative imperative form of irregular verbs in Spanish at the B1 level. This lesson covers essential verbs like dar, ir, ser, estar, and haber, teaching you how to form and use negative commands to communicate what not to do correctly and naturally.
Vocabulary (10) Share Copied!
Exercises Share Copied!
These exercises can be done together during conversation lessons or as homework.
Exercise 1: El imperativo negativo: los verbos irregulares
Instruction: Fill in the correct word.
Grammar: The negative imperative: irregular verbs
Show translation Show answerstengáis, hagas, vayas, vayáis, digas, seáis, seas
Grammar Share Copied!
It's not the most exciting thing, we admit, but it’s absolutely essential (and we promise it'll pay off)!
B1.19.1 Gramática
El imperativo negativo: los verbos irregulares
The negative imperative: irregular verbs
Verb conjugation tables for this lesson Share Copied!
Experimentar to experience Share Copied!
Pretérito indefinido
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| (yo) experimenté | I experienced |
| (tú) experimentaste | You experienced |
| (él/ella) experimentó | he/she experienced |
| (nosotros/nosotras) experimentamos | we experienced |
| (vosotros/vosotras) experimentasteis | you experienced |
| (ellos/ellas) experimentaron | they experienced |
Experimentar to experience Share Copied!
Pretérito imperfecto
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| (yo) experimentaba | I used to experience |
| (tú) experimentabas | You experienced |
| (él/ella) experimentaba | he/she was experiencing |
| (nosotros/nosotras) experimentábamos | we experienced |
| (vosotros/vosotras) experimentabais | you experienced |
| (ellos/ellas) experimentaban | they experienced |
Depender to depend Share Copied!
Pretérito indefinido
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| (yo) dependí | I depended |
| (tú) dependiste | you depended |
| (él/ella) dependió | he/she depended |
| (nosotros/nosotras) dependimos | we depended |
| (vosotros/vosotras) dependisteis | You depended |
| (ellos/ellas) dependieron | They depended |
Depender to depend Share Copied!
Pretérito imperfecto
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| (yo) dependía | I depended |
| (tú) dependías | You used to depend |
| (él/ella) dependía | he/she depended |
| (nosotros/nosotras) dependíamos | we depended |
| (vosotros/vosotras) dependíais | You depended |
| (ellos/ellas) dependían | they depended |
Don't see progress when learning on your own? Study this material with a certified teacher!
Do you want to practice Spanish today? That is possible! Just contact one of our teachers today.
Understanding Negative Imperative: Irregular Verbs in Spanish
This lesson will guide you through the use of the negative imperative mood, specifically focusing on irregular verbs in Spanish. At the B1 level, you will learn how to give negative commands, telling someone what not to do, which is essential for everyday communication.
What You'll Learn
- How to form the negative imperative with irregular verbs such as dar (no des), ir (no vayas), ser (no seas), estar (no estés), and haber (no hayas).
- The difference in conjugation compared to regular verbs and positive commands.
- Common phrases using negative imperative forms to make your speech more natural and correct.
Key Points to Remember
Unlike English, where negative commands mostly use "do not" plus the base verb, Spanish changes the verb form entirely in the negative imperative, especially for irregular verbs. For example:
- Don't give me that. — No me des eso.
- Don't go there. — No vayas allí.
- Don't be late. — No seas tarde.
Differences between English and Spanish Imperatives
In English, the negative imperative typically uses "do not" or the contraction "don't" followed by the base verb. In Spanish, negative commands are formed by placing "no" before the verb, which is conjugated differently from the affirmative imperative, especially with irregular verbs. Understanding this structural difference is crucial for correct communication and avoiding misunderstandings.
Useful Expressions
- No des excusas. — Don't make excuses.
- No vayas demasiado rápido. — Don't go too fast.
- No seas impaciente. — Don't be impatient.
Mastering the negative imperative with irregular verbs expands your ability to express prohibitions, advice, and warnings effectively in Spanish.
These lessons would not be possible without our amazing partners🙏
