Second-person singular imperative
The second-person singular imperative is the simplest verb form in Azerbaijani. It is identical to the verb stem (the infinitive minus -maq/-mək) and is used for direct commands, requests, or advice to a single person you know well.
How It Works
The II şəxs tək əmr (Second-person singular imperative) is the most direct way to speak to someone.
1. Formation:
Simply take the infinitive form of the verb and remove the suffix -maq or -mək.
- Yazmaq (to write) → Yaz! (Write!)
- Gəlmək (to come) → Gəl! (Come!)
- Oxumaq (to read) → Oxu! (Read!)
2. Negation:
To tell someone not to do something, add the negative imperative suffix -ma/-mə directly to the stem. The choice between -ma or -mə is governed by vowel harmony (e.g., bax → baxma; get → getmə).
3. Stress and Nuance:
In the negative imperative, the stress falls on the syllable before the suffix. This is important for distinguishing commands from nouns. For example:
- Al-ma! (Don't buy!) — Stress on 'Al'.
- Alma (Apple) — Stress on the final 'ma'.
4. Colloquial Variations:
In daily spoken Azerbaijani, you will often hear the suffix -ginən (or -gin, -gilən) added to the singular imperative for emphasis or a specific rhythmic flow (e.g., De! → Deginən!). While common in speech, the zero-suffix form is the standard for writing.
5. Usage and Tone:
This form is informal. It is used with friends, family, or children. Using it with a superior can be considered rude. To be polite, you should use the plural/polite imperative or add phrases like Xahiş edirəm (I request) or zəhmət olmasa (please).
6. Phonology:
Unlike other verb forms, the singular imperative does not cause stem-final consonants like 't' to change to 'd'. For example, getmək (to go) becomes Get! (Go!), not Ged!.
Examples (5)
- Qapını bağla!
Close the door!
Word by Word: Door-the close!
A direct command using the stem of 'bağlamaq' (to close).
- Tez gəl, gecikmə.
Come quickly, don't be late.
Word by Word: Quickly come, late-stay-not.
Uses both the positive stem 'gəl' and the negative form 'gecikmə'.
- Kitabı mənə ver.
Give the book to me.
Word by Word: Book-the me-to give.
A direct request to a friend or family member.
- Buna bax!
Look at this!
Word by Word: This-to look!
Used here as an invitation to notice something.
- Sən burada gözlə.
You wait here.
Word by Word: You here-at wait.
The pronoun 'sən' (you) can be added for emphasis, though the verb form already implies it.
Common Mistakes
Using the singular imperative with an elder or a stranger.
Different MeaningMənə kömək et!Mənə kömək edin!'Mənə kömək et!' is a normal sentence among friends, family and younger people. With an elder or someone you do not know well, the polite plural 'Mənə kömək edin!' is the better choice.
Incorrect stress in the negative form.
OxuMA!oXUma!In the negative imperative, the stress never falls on the -ma/-mə suffix. It stays on the verb stem.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand the second-person singular imperative, you need to know the informal second-person pronoun 'sən' and understand that this command form is unique because it uses the bare verb stem with no additional suffixes.
Related Patterns
- -ma/-mə (əmr inkarı)Negative Imperative
This is the negative counterpart used to tell someone NOT to do something.
Level 2 - -(y)ın/-(y)in/-(y)un/-(y)ünPlural or Polite Imperative
The formal or plural version of this command, used for politeness or multiple people.
Level 2 - -sın/-sin/-sun/-sünThird-person Imperative
The imperative form used for 'let him/her/it do' something.
Level 2 - Xahiş edirəmPlease Expression
A common phrase used to soften the directness of the imperative mood.
Level 1
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Practice Second-person singular imperative in Bubblegum
Poppy, your AI tutor, writes Azerbaijani lessons at your level. Tap any grammar point in a lesson to see its full explanation.
