SLL6: Mandatos Formales
Formal Commands
Formal commands are used to give a command to someone you speak formally to (usted) or a group of people (ustedes).
Conjugation: For both usted and ustedes, start by conjugating the verb in the yo form in present tense. Ex: lavar --> lavo
Add the appropriate ending.
Ar: Usted - e , Ustedes - en
Ir / Er : Usted - a , Ustedes - an
Example phrases:
lavar - Lave los platos, por favor. -- Wash the dishes please
escriber - Escriban notas durante la lectura. -- Write notes during the lecture.
Irregular Verbs:
Usted Ustedes
dar dé den
estar esté estén
ir vaya vayan
saber sepa sepan
ser sea sean
Remember spelling changes:
-car --> -que, quen
-gar --> -gue, guen
-zar --> -ce, cen
For commands in the negative, the conjugation of the verb is the same, just add no in front.
Example Phrases:
lavar - No lave los platos. -- Do not wash the dishes.
escribir - No escriban notas durante la lectura. -- Do not write notes during the lecture.
Lastly, with pronouns, attach them to the end of the verb when the command is affirmative but put the pronouns before the verb when the command is negative. When attaching the pronoun to the end of the verb, do not forget to add if the command has two or more syllables.
Examples:
Decir - Dígamelo. - Say it to me.
- No me lo diga. - Don’t say it to me.
