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Italian • Level 1 • GRAMMAR

imperative

💡 Grammar Rule

The Italian Imperative Mood (L’Imperativo)

The imperative mood is used to express direct orders, commands, requests, advice, or encouragement. Its intensity varies based on the speaker's tone and context, ranging from a strong command to a soft suggestion.

1. Formation of Regular Verbs

The imperative primarily has specific forms for the second person singular (tu) and plural (voi). For formal commands (Lei and Loro) and the first person plural (noi), it uses forms from the present subjunctive.

  • -are Verbs (e.g., parlare - to speak):
    • (tu) parla (speak)
    • (Lei) parli (speak - formal)
    • (noi) parliamo (let’s speak)
    • (voi) parlate (speak - plural)
    • (Loro) parlino (speak - formal plural)
  • -ere Verbs (e.g., prendere - to take):
    • (tu) prendi (take)
    • (Lei) prenda (take - formal)
    • (noi) prendiamo (let’s take)
    • (voi) prendete (take - plural)
    • (Loro) prendano (take - formal plural)
  • -ire Verbs (e.g., partire - to leave):
    • (tu) parti (leave)
    • (Lei) parta (leave - formal)
    • (noi) partiamo (let’s leave)
    • (voi) partite (leave - plural)
    • (Loro) partano (leave - formal plural)

Note on -isc- verbs: Verbs like finire (to finish) maintain the suffix: tu finisci, Lei finisca, Loro finiscano.

2. Usage and Nuances

The first person plural (noi) is usually a suggestion or invitation:
Andiamo! (Let’s go!) / Partiamo subito. (Let’s leave immediately.)

The formal third person is used for polite requests:
Lei parli con i suoi insegnanti. (Please speak with your teachers.) / Prendano un analgesico. (Please take a painkiller - to them.)

To soften or encourage, you can use particles like pure:
Entri pure! (Go right in! / Please, come in!)

3. The Negative Imperative

Crucially, for the tu form, the negative imperative is formed by non + infinitive. For all other persons, simply add non before the standard imperative form.

  • Non parlare! (Don’t speak! - informal)
  • Non parliamo. (Let’s not speak.)
  • Non aprite la porta. (Don’t open the door. - plural)

4. Alternative Directives

In certain contexts, Italian uses other forms instead of the imperative:

  • Infinitive: Used for impersonal instructions or signs.
    Tenere la destra. (Keep right.) / Non fumare. (No smoking.)
  • Future Indicative: Used for authoritative or institutional commands.
    Rispetterete i vostri genitori. (You shall respect your parents.)
Where are the keys?
Dove sono le chiavi?
Look on the table!
Guarda sul tavolo!
We are tired.
Siamo stanchi.
Rest for a bit!
Riposate un po’!
Can I come in?
Posso entrare?
Come in, please, ma’am!
Entri pure, signora!
The movie is starting now.
Il film comincia ora.
Let’s go to the cinema!
Andiamo al cinema!
Should I open the window?
Apro la finestra?
No, don’t open the window.
No, non aprire la finestra!
I am very hungry.
Ho molta fame.
Eat an apple.
Mangia una mela.
What do we do now?
Che facciamo ora?
Finish your homework!
Finite i compiti!
I need to talk to you.
Ho bisogno di parlarle.
Speak, I am here.
Parli pure, sono qui.
Where is the office?
Dov’è l’ufficio?
Turn right at the corner.
Gira a destra all’angolo.
It is a very beautiful day.
È una giornata molto bella.
Let’s take a walk.
Facciamo una passeggiata.
Should I call on the phone?
Devo telefonare?
Yes, call now!
Sì, telefona subito!
We are lost.
Siamo persi.
Look at the map.
Guardate la mappa.
Where should I sign?
Dove devo firmare?
Sign here, please.
Firmi qui, per favore.
I am afraid.
Ho paura.
Don’t be afraid!
Non avere paura!
Can we start?
Possiamo iniziare?
Yes, start the lesson!
Sì, iniziate la lezione!
I don’t have money.
Non ho soldi.
Let’s stay at home.
Restiamo a casa.
What is for dinner?
Cosa c’è per cena?
Cook the pasta!
Cucinate la pasta!
I have a bad headache.
Ho un forte mal di testa.
Take an aspirin.
Prenda un’aspirina.
I can’t find my shoes.
Non trovo le mie scarpe.
Look in the bedroom!
Cercate in camera!
We are all ready.
Siamo tutti pronti.
Open the door!
Aprite la porta!
Is the exercise correct?
L’esercizio è giusto?
Read the text again!
Leggete di nuovo il testo!
I am new here.
Sono nuovo qui.
Wait for the director, please.
Aspetti il direttore, per favore.

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