Mastering Spanish Informal Commands: A Beginner’s Guide
If you’re considering learning Spanish, you’ve probably come across several different types of commands. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll focus on mastering Spanish informal commands.
What are Informal Commands?
Informal commands in Spanish are used when you want to give orders or commands to friends, family, or anyone you have a close relationship with. Unlike formal commands, which are used in professional or respectful situations, informal commands are more relaxed and casual.
The Different Types of Informal Commands
There are two types of informal commands in Spanish: affirmative and negative commands. Let’s take a closer look at each one.
Affirmative Commands
Affirmative commands in Spanish are relatively easy to master. They’re formed by removing the final “s” from the present tense verb, which we call the tú form.
For example, if the infinitive form of the verb is “comer” which means “to eat,” the informal affirmative command would be “come” which is the tú form without the “s”.
Negative Commands
Negative commands are trickier to master, but once you understand the rules, they are relatively straightforward. They’re formed by using the subjunctive form of the verb.
For example, if the infinitive form of the verb is “hablar” which means “to speak,” the informal negative command would be “no hables” which means “don’t speak.”
When to Use Informal Commands
As we mentioned earlier, informal commands are used in casual situations. For example, if you’re speaking with your friends or family, you might use informal commands to give orders or directions.
Here are some examples of when you might use informal commands:
– Asking someone to pass you the salt – “Pásame la sal.”
– Telling someone to sit down – “Siéntate.”
– Asking someone to join you – “Ven aquí.”
Final Thoughts
Mastering informal commands in Spanish is a crucial step in becoming fluent. By understanding when and how to use them, you’ll be able to communicate more effectively with Spanish speakers.
Make sure to practice both affirmative and negative commands with the verbs you’ve learned. And remember, practice makes perfect!
