Hay formas fijas del imperativo que se usan para expresar ánimo, sorpresa o consuelo en la conversación cotidiana.
(There are set imperative forms that are used to express encouragement, surprise, or reassurance in everyday conversation.)
| Expresión | Ejemplo |
| Venga | Venga, prueba la gargantilla para la boda. (Come on, try on the choker for the wedding.) |
| Anda | Anda, combina la pulsera con el collar. (Come on, match the bracelet with the necklace.) |
| Vaya | Vaya, ese diamante tiene valor sentimental. (Wow, that diamond has sentimental value.) |
| No te preocupes | No te preocupes, podemos reparar el broche. (Don’t worry, we can repair the brooch.) |
Exceptions!
- "Vaya, vaya" is used to express surprise or disbelief, generally in an ironic or emphatic way.
Exercise 1: Multiple choice
Instruction: Choose the correct answer
1. ____, pruébate la gargantilla con este vestido y me dices si te resulta cómoda.
____, try the choker on with this dress and tell me if it's comfortable.2. ____, combina esa pulsera de plata de ley con el collar; queda mucho más equilibrado.
____, pair that sterling silver bracelet with the necklace; it looks much more balanced.3. ____, no sabía que ese broche tenía un valor sentimental para ti.
____, I didn't know that brooch had sentimental value for you.4. ____, si tienes el certificado de autenticidad podemos gestionar la reparación del reloj sin coste.
____, if you have the certificate of authenticity we can handle the watch repair free of charge.Exercise 2: Rewrite the phrases
Instruction: Rewrite each sentence so that it sounds natural in a conversation and include the given fixed imperative expression (Venga/Anda/Vaya/No te preocupes); do not change the meaning. Example: “Pruébatelo, por favor.” → “Venga, pruébatelo.”
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⇒ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ExampleVenga, pruébate la gargantilla para la boda, a ver qué tal te queda.(Venga, try on the choker for the wedding and let’s see how it looks on you.)
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⇒ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ExampleAnda, combina la pulsera con el collar; así el conjunto queda más elegante.(Anda, match the bracelet with the necklace so the set looks more elegant.)
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⇒ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ExampleVaya, ese diamante tiene un valor sentimental enorme.(Vaya, that diamond has enormous sentimental value.)
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⇒ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ExampleNo te preocupes, si se ha soltado el broche podemos repararlo esta tarde.(No te preocupes, if the clasp has come loose we can fix it this afternoon.)
Exercise 3: Grammar in action
Instruction: Read client and shop assistant; decide on the ideal jewel and justify it.
- ¿Qué joya te recomiendan y con qué prenda debería combinarse? (Which piece do they recommend to you, and which outfit should it be paired with?)
- Tu presupuesto no alcanza para el diamante: ¿cómo reaccionas y qué alternativa ofreces? (Your budget doesn’t cover the diamond: how do you respond and what alternative do you suggest?)
- Venga, prueba la gargantilla y mira si combina con la pulsera. (Come on, try the choker and see if it goes with the bracelet.)
- Anda, ponte los pendientes con el collar para ver el conjunto. (Here, put the earrings on with the necklace to see the full set.)
- Vaya, ese anillo tiene un valor sentimental y ¿tiene certificado? (Wow, that ring has sentimental value — does it come with a certificate?)
- Venga (Come on)
- Anda (Here, try this)
- Vaya (Wow)
