How to Give Informal Commands in Spanish: The Pedir Form
Learning a new language can be both exciting and challenging, especially if it involves mastering a new set of grammar rules. And when it comes to Spanish, informal commands can seem daunting at first. However, once you grasp the basics, you’ll be able to give commands like a native in no time. In this article, we’ll focus on the Pedir form, which is used to give informal commands in Spanish.
What Are Informal Commands?
Before we dive into the Pedir form, let’s clarify what informal commands are. Informal commands, also known as familiar commands, are used when addressing someone you’re familiar with, such as a friend, family member or someone younger than you. These commands differ from formal commands, which are used when addressing someone you don’t know well, such as a stranger, an elder or a superior.
The Pedir Form
The Pedir form, also known as the second person singular imperative, is used to give informal commands in Spanish. It’s a bit different from other verb forms because it only has three irregular verbs: decir (to say), hacer (to do) and ir (to go).
The Pedir form is formed by dropping the “-s” from the tú form of the present indicative, leaving the stem of the verb, and adding the appropriate ending. Let’s break it down:
– For -ar verbs, the ending is “-a”. For example: Habla (Speak), Escucha (Listen).
– For -er and -ir verbs, the ending is “-e”. For example: Come (Eat), Bebe (Drink), Vive (Live).
Examples
Let’s take a look at some examples of how to use the Pedir form in sentences:
– Speak Spanish with me: Habla español conmigo.
– Listen to the music: Escucha la música.
– Eat your vegetables: Come tus verduras.
– Drink water: Bebe agua.
– Live your life: Vive tu vida.
Conclusion
Giving informal commands in Spanish can take some practice, but once you understand the basic rules, it’s easy to get the hang of it. Remember to drop the “-s” from the tú form, use the appropriate ending, and you’re good to go. Practice with different verbs and situations until you feel confident and natural using the Pedir form. With time and practice, you’ll be speaking Spanish like a pro.
