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Learn how to form the formal affirmative imperative in Spanish using "usted" and "ustedes", with key verbs like "hable" (speak), "contrate" (hire), and "preséntese" (introduce yourself) to give polite commands or advice.
  1. For usted, use the 3rd person singular of the subjunctive.
  2. For ustedes, use the 3rd person plural of the subjunctive.
PersonaFormaciónEjemplo
UstedHableHable con los recursos humanos.
UstedesHablenHable con la jefa antes de firmar el contrato.
UstedContrateContrate al candidato ideal.
Ustedes ContratenContraten personal para la vacante.
UstedPreséntesePreséntese en la entrevista a las 9.
Ustedes PreséntensePreséntense con traje.

Exercise 1: Imperativo afirmativo informal: "Usted" y "Ustedes"

Instruction: Fill in the correct word.

Show translation Show answers

Confirmen, Hable, Firme, Contraten, Preséntese, Pregunten, Firmen, Esperen

1. Esperar: ustedes:
... en recepción.
(Wait at reception.)
2. Firmar: usted:
... los documentos.
(Sign the documents.)
3. Contratar: ustedes:
... solo personal cualificado.
(Hire only qualified personnel.)
4. Confirmar: ustedes:
... su disponibilidad por correo.
(Confirm your availability by email.)
5. Preguntar: ustedes:
... todo lo necesario antes de firmar.
(Ask everything necessary before signing.)
6. Presentarse: usted:
... a la entrevista.
(Introduce yourself at the interview.)
7. Firmar: ustedes:
... después de revisar.
(Sign after reviewing.)
8. Hablar: usted:
... en la presentación.
(Speak in the presentation.)

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice

Instruction: Choose the correct option to complete the sentence with the formal affirmative imperative in "usted" or "ustedes", as appropriate. Focus on the correct conjugation of the present subjunctive to give formal orders or advice.

1.
Si la orden es para una sola persona (usted), debe usarse 'contrate', no 'contraten'.
'Contrata' está en indicativo, no en imperativo formal para 'usted'; debe usarse el subjuntivo.
2.
'Habla' es imperativo informal para 'tú', no para 'usted'.
'Hablé' está en pretérito, no es imperativo.
3.
Falta el pronombre reflexivo ‘se’ necesario para el verbo pronominal 'presentarse'.
Esta forma es singular, incorrecta si la orden es para varios.
4.
Esta forma es para 'usted' singular, no para 'ustedes' plural.
'Contratas' está en indicativo presente para 'tú', no en imperativo formal para 'ustedes'.

Affirmative Informal Imperative: "Usted" and "Ustedes" Forms

This lesson focuses on the use of the affirmative imperative mood for the formal second-person singular "usted" and the second-person plural "ustedes" in Spanish. These forms are essential for giving orders, advice, or instructions politely and respectfully in professional, social, or formal contexts.

How to Form the Affirmative Imperative for "Usted" and "Ustedes"

Unlike the informal "tú" commands, the affirmative imperative forms for usted and ustedes use the present subjunctive conjugation:

  • Usted: third-person singular present subjunctive
  • Ustedes: third-person plural present subjunctive

Examples of Affirmative Formal Commands

Person Form Example
Usted Hable Hable con los recursos humanos.
Ustedes Hablen Hablen con la jefa antes de firmar el contrato.
Usted Contrate Contrate al candidato ideal.
Ustedes Contraten Contraten personal para la vacante.
Usted Preséntese Preséntese en la entrevista a las 9.
Ustedes Preséntense Preséntense con traje.

Important Notes

Remember that these forms are used to give commands or advice in a polite, formal way, often in business or respectful settings. For example:

  • Hable con los recursos humanos. (Speak with Human Resources.)
  • Presentése en la entrevista a las 9. (Present yourself at the interview at 9.)

Differences Between English and Spanish Formal Imperative

In English, commands do not change form based on politeness or formality; tone and context communicate respect. In contrast, Spanish has distinct imperative forms for tú (informal), usted (formal singular), and ustedes (formal plural). Specifically, the usted and ustedes commands use the present subjunctive forms, not the indicative.

Useful phrases to practice include:

  • Hable con – Speak with
  • Contrate a – Hire
  • Preséntese en – Present yourself at

Using these correctly helps convey respect and professionalism when addressing others in Spanish.

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