Imperative

What Is the Imperative?

The imperative (imperativo) is used to give commands, instructions, advice, and requests. In Italian, the imperative has three main forms used in everyday speech: tu (you, singular informal), noi (we — suggesting 'let's do something'), and voi (you, plural). A formal imperative using Lei also exists but is covered at B1 level.

Tu Form — Regular Verbs

For the tu form, the rules depend on the verb group. -ARE verbs: use the third-person singular of the present indicative (the 'lui/lei' form). Example: parlare → lui parla → tu command: Parla! (Speak!). -ERE verbs: use the tu form of the present indicative. Example: scrivere → tu scrivi → Scrivi! (Write!). -IRE verbs: use the tu form of the present indicative. Example: dormire → tu dormi → Dormi! (Sleep!). Note: -isc- verbs follow the same pattern — finire → Finisci!

Noi and Voi Forms

The noi form is identical to the present indicative noi form. It means 'let's...' and suggests a shared action. Example: Andiamo! (Let's go!), Mangiamo! (Let's eat!). The voi form is also identical to the present indicative voi form. It is used to address a group of people. Example: Ascoltate! (Listen, everyone!), Aprite il libro! (Open the book!).

Negative Imperative

To form the negative imperative, the rules differ by person. Tu form: use NON + infinitive. This is a key rule! Example: Non parlare! (Don't speak!), Non mangiare! (Don't eat!), Non uscire! (Don't go out!). Noi form: use NON + noi imperative. Example: Non andiamo! (Let's not go!), Non parliamo! (Let's not talk!). Voi form: use NON + voi imperative. Example: Non parlate! (Don't speak!), Non mangiate! (Don't eat!).

Pronouns with the Imperative

Pronouns behave differently with affirmative and negative imperatives. Affirmative imperatives: pronouns are attached to the end of the verb. Example: Dimmi! (Tell me!), Guardami! (Look at me!), Prendilo! (Take it!), Dammelo! (Give it to me!). Negative imperatives: pronouns go BEFORE the verb OR can be attached to the infinitive. Example: Non mi dire! or Non dirmi! (Don't tell me!), Non lo fare! or Non farlo! (Don't do it!). Special rule: with the short irregular forms (va', fa', da', sta', di'), the first consonant of the pronoun doubles: Dimmi!, Fallo!, Dammelo!, Vacci!, Stammi!.

• Parla più lentamente, per favore! — Speak more slowly, please!
• Scrivete il vostro nome sul foglio! — Write your name on the paper!
• Non uscire senza ombrello! — Don't go out without an umbrella!
• Andiamo al cinema stasera! — Let's go to the cinema tonight!
• Dimmi dove sei! — Tell me where you are!
• Non farlo adesso! — Don't do it now!
• Sii paziente! — Be patient!
• Venite a casa mia domani! — Come to my place tomorrow!
• Da' la penna a Maria! — Give the pen to Maria!
• Non mangiate troppo zucchero! — Don't eat too much sugar!