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This lesson teaches the Italian negative imperative, used to forbid actions. Key examples include "Non parlare" (Don't speak), "Non scriviamo" (Let's not write), and "Non aprite" (Don't open).
  1. The negative imperative for tu is formed with non + infinitive.
  2. The negative imperative for noi, voi is formed with non + imperative.
Persona1a coniugazione: Parlare2a coniugazione: Scrivere3a coniugazione: Aprire (3rd conjugation: To open)
TuNon parlareNon scrivereNon aprire
Noi (We)Non parliamoNon scriviamoNon apriamo
VoiNon parlateNon scriveteNon aprite

Exercise 1: L'imperativo negativo

Instruction: Fill in the correct word.

Show translation Show answers

non mangiare, non iniziate, non usare, non usiamo, non parlate, Non dimenticate, Non inviare

1. Usare, noi:
Per favore, ... il computer di Fabio.
(Please, let's not use Fabio's computer.)
2. Parlate, voi:
Ragazzi, ... durante la prova.
(Guys, don't talk during the test.)
3. Usare, tu:
Alessio, ... il telefono in ufficio.
(Alessio, do not use the phone in the office.)
4. Dimenticare, voi:
... che abbiamo una riunione alle 4.
(Don't forget that we have a meeting at 4.)
5. Iniziare, voi:
Ragazzi, ... la riunione senza il capo.
(Guys, don't start the meeting without the boss.)
6. Mangiare, tu:
Luca, ... al computer, è vietato.
(Luca, don't eat at the computer, it is forbidden.)
7. Dimenticare, voi:
... di scrivere la lettera di presentazione.
(Don't forget to write the cover letter.)
8. Inviare, tu:
... la lettera senza averla firmata.
(Do not send the letter without having signed it.)

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice

Instruction: Choose the correct sentence that follows the rule of the negative imperative in Italian.

1.
Grammatical error: 'spoken' is not the correct form for the negative imperative.
Common mistake: the indicative form is used instead of the infinitive after 'non' for the negative imperative with 'tu'.
2.
Conjugation error: 'writee' does not exist in Italian.
Error: with 'noi' you don't use the infinitive but the imperative with 'non' + imperative.
3.
Error: 'you will open' is future indicative, not negative imperative.
Error: 'open' is second person singular, while here the form for 'voi', second person plural, is needed.
4.
Error: indicative is used instead of infinitive after 'non' for the negative imperative with 'tu'.
Error: 'let's not read' is used for 'noi', not for 'tu'.

Understanding the Negative Imperative in Italian

This lesson focuses on the negative imperative in Italian, a crucial structure used to prohibit or forbid actions. Understanding how to correctly form and use the negative imperative will help you clearly express commands like "Do not speak," "Don't write," or "Don't open." This topic is suitable for learners at the A2 level who are building their ability to give instructions and advice.

How to Form the Negative Imperative

In Italian, the negative imperative is formed differently depending on the person:

  • For "tu" (you singular informal): Use non + the infinitive form of the verb.
    Examples: Non parlare (Don't speak), Non scrivere (Don't write), Non aprire (Don't open)
  • For "noi" (we) and "voi" (you plural): Use non + the imperative form.
    Examples: Non parliamo (Let's not speak), Non scrivete (Don't you all write), Non apriamo (Let's not open)

Examples by Verb Conjugation Groups

Person1st conjugation: Parlare2nd conjugation: Scrivere3rd conjugation: Aprire
TuNon parlareNon scrivereNon aprire
NoiNon parliamoNon scriviamoNon apriamo
VoiNon parlateNon scriveteNon aprite

Important Usage Notes

  • At the tu form, do not use the regular present tense; instead, use non + infinitive to form the negative.
  • For noi and voi, the negative imperative matches the affirmative imperative preceded by non.

Difference Between Instruction Language (English) and Italian

Unlike English, where the negative imperative uses "do not" + verb (e.g., "Don't speak"), Italian specifically uses the infinitive for the tu form (e.g., Non parlare) rather than the second person present tense. For the plural and first person plural, Italian uses the negative + imperative form (e.g., Non parliamo, Non parlate), which directly contrasts with the English "Let's not speak" or "Don't you all speak."

Useful Phrases with Translations

  • Non parlare durante l'intervista. — Don't speak during the interview.
  • Non scriviamo tardi oggi. — Let's not write late today.
  • Non aprite il computer ora. — Don't open the computer now.

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Fabio Pirioni

Bachelor in Humanities

University of Udine

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Last Updated:

Tuesday, 14/10/2025 20:36