Commands
To give a command, start with the plain verb and leave out the subject: Kom hier! (Come here!), Sit! (Sit!)
How It Works
Plain verb first. Take the verb as you find it in the present tense and put it at the start:
- Kom hier! (Come here!)
- Luister! (Listen!)
- Wag vir my! (Wait for me!)
- Lees die sin hardop. (Read the sentence out loud.)
One form for everyone. Because the present tense has one form, the command is the same whether you speak to one friend, a group or someone you address as u.
Be: wees. The verb is uses wees in commands: Wees stil! (Be quiet!), Wees versigtig! (Be careful!)
Separable verbs. The small part goes to the end: toemaak → Maak die deur toe!, opstaan → Staan op! See separable verbs.
Being polite. Add asseblief (please): Sit, asseblief or Kom asseblief in. Gerus makes an invitation friendly: Sit gerus (Please, do sit down).
Don't. A negative command uses moenie ... nie: Moenie praat nie! To say let's, use kom ons.
Examples (6)
- Kom hier!
Come here!
Word by Word: Come here!
- Sit, asseblief.
Please sit down.
Word by Word: Sit, please.
- Wag vir my!
Wait for me!
Word by Word: Wait for me!
- Maak die deur toe.
Close the door.
Word by Word: Make the door closed.
Toemaak is a separable verb, so toe goes to the end.
- Wees stil, kinders!
Be quiet, children!
Word by Word: Be quiet, children!
The command form of is is wees.
- Lees die sin hardop.
Read the sentence out loud.
Word by Word: Read the sentence out loud.
Common Mistakes
Using is instead of wees in a command.
Is stil!Wees stil!The verb to be uses wees in commands: Wees stil! Wees versigtig!
Leaving out the final nie in a negative command.
Moenie praat!Moenie praat nie!A negative command needs moenie at the start and nie at the end.
How It Connects
Learn This First
A command uses the plain verb form, the same form used in the present tense.
Related Patterns
- moenieDon't: Moenie
Negative commands: Moenie praat nie!
Level 2 - kom ons/laat onsLet's
Suggestions for a group: Kom ons gaan!
Level 2 - is/weesTo Be: Is and Wees
Why the command form of is is wees.
Level 1 - Separable Verbs
Why toe goes to the end in Maak die deur toe.
Level 2 - uPolite U
Commands stay the same when you speak politely.
Level 1
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Words in This Pattern
Practice Commands in Bubblegum
Poppy, your AI tutor, writes Afrikaans lessons at your level. Tap any grammar point in a lesson to see its full explanation.
