Italian Commands

Forming the Imperative

The imperative form in Italian is used to give commands, instructions, or express wishes.
In Italian, the command form is created differently for tu (informal you), voi (you plural), Lei (formal you), Loro (formal you plural), and noi (we).

Affirmative Commands

In the 2nd person singular (tu), the affirmative command is usually the same as the present tense, minus the final -i or -e. For example, “mangia” (eat), “parla” (speak).
For irregular verbs, the command form can be different. For example, the command form of ‘andare’ (to go) is ‘va’ and not ‘andi’.
For the 2nd person plural (voi), the affirmative command is identical to the present tense. For instance, “mangiate” (eat), “parlate” (speak).
For Formal you (Lei), we use the 3rd person present subjunctive, like “mangi” (eat), “parli” (speak).
For Formal you plural (Loro), which is rarely used today, the form is the same as the 3rd person plural subjunctive, e.g., “mangino” or “parlino”.
For 1st person plural (noi), we use the 1st person plural present subjunctive, for example “mangiamo” (let’s eat), “parliamo” (let’s speak).

Negative Commands

In the negative commands, for all form of you (tu, Lei, voi, Loro) and we (noi), we use the present subjunctive.
For instance, for ‘you - informal’, ‘don’t eat’ would be ‘non mangiare’, and ‘don’t speak’ would be ‘non parlare’.
For Lei, it’s “non mangi” and “non parli”; for voi, it’s “non mangiate” and “non parlate”; for noi, it’s “non mangiamo” and “non parliamo”.

Irregular Commands

The following verbs have irregular command forms: dire (to say), fare (to do/make), andare (to go), dare (to give), stare (to stay), avere(to have), essere (to be), and sapere (to know).
Take note to study the different forms as they do not follow the regular rules.

Reflexive Verbs

With reflexive verbs, the reflexive pronouns (mi, ti, si, ci, vi) are attached to the end of the verb in affirmative commands, and are placed before the verb in negative commands.
For example “Lavati le mani” (Wash your hands) but “Non ti lavare le mani” (Don’t wash your hands).

Remember, practice and repetition promote a better understanding of the use of command in Italian. Partner the theory with practical exercises to get used to utilizing commands in your conversation.