Forming the Imperative: Giving Commands and Instructions

The imperative mood in Italian is used to give commands, instructions, or make requests. It is a way to directly address someone and tell them what to do. Understanding how to form the imperative is essential for effective communication in Italian. In this guide, we will explore the rules for forming the imperative mood.

1. Regular Verbs

To form the imperative mood for regular verbs, follow these steps:

1. Take the infinitive form of the verb.
2. Remove the final "-e" for verbs ending in "-are," "-ere," or "-ire" to get the stem.
3. Add the corresponding endings to the stem.

For example, let's take the verb "parlare" (to speak):

Singular	Plural
parla	parlate

• Parla! (Speak!) - addressing one person
• Parlate! (Speak!) - addressing more than one person

2. Irregular Verbs

Some verbs have irregular forms in the imperative. Here are a few examples:

• Andare (to go):

  • Vai! (Go!) - addressing one person
  • Andate! (Go!) - addressing more than one person

• Fare (to do/make):

  • Fai! (Do/Make!) - addressing one person
  • Fate! (Do/Make!) - addressing more than one person

• Dire (to say/tell):

  • Di'! (Say/Tell!) - addressing one person
  • Dite! (Say/Tell!) - addressing more than one person

3. Irregular and Defective Verbs

Some verbs have completely irregular and defective forms in the imperative. Here are a few examples:

• Essere (to be):

  • Sii! (Be!) - addressing one person
  • Siate! (Be!) - addressing more than one person

• Avere (to have):

  • Abbi! (Have!) - addressing one person
  • Abbiate! (Have!) - addressing more than one person

• Stare (to stay):

  • Stai! (Stay!) - addressing one person
  • State! (Stay!) - addressing more than one person

4. Pronouns with the Imperative

When using pronouns with the imperative, you have two options:

• Affirmative Imperative: Attach the pronouns directly to the end of the verb and add an accent mark if necessary.

  • Va là! (Go there!) -> Vattene! (Go away!)

• Negative Imperative: Place the pronouns before the verb and connect them with a hyphen.

  • Non lo fare! (Don't do it!) -> Non farlo! (Don't do it!)

5. Formal vs. Informal

In Italian, there are two forms of the imperative: formal (Lei) and informal (tu/voi). The choice depends on the level of familiarity with the person you are addressing.

• The formal imperative (Lei) is used to address someone respectfully or in professional settings.
• The informal imperative (tu/voi) is used to address friends, family, or in informal situations.

Conclusion

The imperative mood in Italian is a crucial aspect of communication when giving commands or instructions. By following the rules and understanding the differences between regular, irregular, and defective verbs, you can confidently express your intentions and guide others in Italian. Remember to consider the formality of the situation and use pronouns appropriately to convey your message accurately.