Teaching guidelines +/- 15 minutes
Master the formal affirmative imperative in Spanish using "usted" and "ustedes" with verbs like "facture" (check in), "abróchese" (fasten), and "siga" (follow), essential for polite, clear instructions.
- For the formal imperative of "usted", change the ending to "-e" for verbs ending in "-ar" and to "-a" for verbs ending in "-er" and "-ir".
- For "ustedes", change the ending to "-en" for "-ar" verbs and to "-an" for "-er" and "-ir" verbs.
- It is frequently used in formal situations to give instructions.
- In the affirmative imperative, reflexive pronouns go after the verb, forming a word with it. For example: "Abróchese el cinturón de seguridad."
| Pronombre | Imperativo | Ejemplo |
|---|---|---|
| Usted | Facture | Facture sus maletas en el mostrador de la aerolínea. (Check in your suitcases at the airline counter.) |
| Abróchese | Abróchese el cinturón de seguridad, por favor. (Fasten your seatbelt, please.) | |
| Siga | Siga al piloto hacia el control de seguridad. (Follow the pilot to the security control.) | |
| Ustedes | Facturen | Facturen sus maletas en el mostrador. (Check in your suitcases at the counter.) |
| Abróchense | Abróchense los cinturones de seguridad antes de despegar. (Fasten your seat belts before takeoff.) | |
| Sigan | Sigan las instrucciones del aeropuerto con atención. (Follow the airport instructions carefully.) |
Exceptions!
- There are some irregular imperatives. For example: "seguir - (usted) siga".
- An accent is often placed on the verb in the imperative form with pronouns. For example: "abrocharse - (usted) abróchese".
Exercise 1: Imperativo afirmativo formal: "usted" y "ustedes"
Instruction: Fill in the correct word.
Siga, Escuchen, Abróchense, Sigan, Escuche, Facture, Póngase, Muestre
1.
Seguir (Uds):
... estas personas para facturar.
(Follow these people to invoice.)
2.
Seguir (Ud):
... a la azafata hacia la puerta.
(Follow the stewardess to the door.)
3.
Abrocharse (Uds):
... los cinturones en este momento.
(Fasten your seatbelts at this moment.)
4.
Esuchar (Ud):
... las instrucciones del piloto.
(Listen to the pilot's instructions.)
5.
Escuchar (Uds):
... las instrucciones del piloto en todo momento.
(Listen to the pilot's instructions at all times.)
6.
Ponerse (Ud):
... cómodo durante el vuelo.
(Make yourself comfortable during the flight.)
7.
Mostrar (Ud):
... el pasaporte a la azafata antes de ir al avión.
(Show the passport to the flight attendant before going to the plane.)
8.
Facturar (Ud):
... sus maletas antes de ir al control de seguridad.
(Check in your luggage before going to security control.)