In Spanish, we use special words called commands, or imperatives, to give instructions or ask for things.

It’s really important to know when to use familiar commands for friends and family and when to use formal commands for respectful situations. Let’s break it down!

Familiar Commands (tú)

Familiar commands are what you use when talking to someone you know well, like a friend or a family member. Here’s how to make these commands:

1. Regular -ar verbs:

   • For these verbs, just use the form of the verb that matches “he” or “she” in the present tense.
   • Examples:
     • Hablar (to speak) → Habla (Speak!)
     • Cantar (to sing) → Canta (Sing!)

2. Regular -er and -ir verbs:

   • You do the same thing as with -ar verbs.
   • Examples:
     • Comer (to eat) → Come (Eat!)
     • Escribir (to write) → Escribe (Write!)

3. Common irregular verbs:

   • Some verbs are a bit different:
     • Ser (to be) → Sé (Be!)
     • Ir (to go) → Ve (Go!)
     • Tener (to have) → Ten (Have!)

Formal Commands (usted)

Formal commands are what you use to be polite. This is important when you’re talking to someone you don’t know well or someone older. Here’s how to make these commands:

1. Regular -ar verbs:

   • For formal commands, take the “I” form of the verb, drop the “o,” and add “e.”
   • Example:
     • Hablar → Hable (Speak!)

2. Regular -er and -ir verbs:

   • Do the same, but add “a.”
   • Examples:
     • Comer → Coma (Eat!)
     • Escribir → Escriba (Write!)

3. Common irregular verbs:

   • They have similar changes:
     • Ser → Sea (Be!)
     • Ir → Vaya (Go!)
     • Tener → Tenga (Have!)

Key Grammar Points

• Articles:

  • Use “el” or “la” for specific things, and “un” or “una” for general things.
  • Example:
    • El libro (the book), una manzana (an apple).

• Agreement:

  • Nouns and adjectives must match in gender (boy or girl) and number (one or more).
  • Example:
    • El niño alto (the tall boy), las niñas altas (the tall girls).

• Question Words:

  • Use these words to ask questions:
    • Qué (what), Dónde (where), Cómo (how).
  • Example:
    • ¿Qué es esto? (What is this?)

• Negation:

  • To say something isn’t true, put “no” in front of the verb.
  • Example:
    • No hables (Don’t speak!).

• Present Progressive:

  • To show something happening right now, use "estar" + a verb ending in -ing.
  • Example:
    • Estoy comiendo (I am eating).

• Simple Sentence Structure:

  • The basic order is subject + verb + object.
  • Example:
    • Yo (subject) como (verb) manzanas (object).

• Prepositions:

  • Use simple words like a (to), de (from), en (in/on), con (with).
  • Example:
    • Voy a la tienda (I am going to the store).

By understanding these rules and practicing, you’ll get better at using commands in Spanish. Keep practicing, and you’ll remember everything easily!