-u
Commands with -u
A verb in -u gives a command or makes a request.
How It Works
| Infinitive | With -u | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| veni | venu | come! |
| skribi | skribu | write! |
| atendi | atendu | wait! |
| timi | timu | be afraid! |
The ending -u shows a wish, a request or an order. It has no tense of its own, and the thing asked for usually happens in the future.
The person who should act is normally vi, so the word is left out: Venu tuj! You can say it for emphasis: Vi venu! The verb never changes for one person or many.
To be polite, add mi petas (I ask) or use bonvolu with an infinitive: Sidiĝu, mi petas! Bonvolu atendi.
Examples (5)
- Venu ĉi tien, Ana!
Come here, Ana!
The ending -u gives the command, and vi is left out.
- Skribu al mi, Kofi.
Write to me, Kofi.
The same ending makes a request.
- Atendu min en la ĝardeno.
Wait for me in the garden.
Atendu takes the object min directly.
- Ne timu, Hiro!
Do not be afraid, Hiro!
Ne goes in front of the verb to make the command negative.
- Sidiĝu, amikoj, mi petas!
Sit down, friends, please!
One form of the verb is used for many people.
Common Mistakes
Adding -j to the verb for several people.
Venuj, amikoj!Venu, amikoj!A verb never takes -j. The same form works for one person or for many.
How It Connects
Learn This First
The command ending replaces the present ending when you ask someone to act.
Related Patterns
- ni + Verb in -uLet Us
The same ending for a suggestion to do something together.
Level 3 - dankon / bonvoluThank You, Please and Sorry
Polite words that go with requests.
Level 1 - -iThe Infinitive
The form that -u replaces.
Level 1 - neNot
How to say do not.
Level 1 - One Form for Everyone
Why the ending never changes.
Level 1
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Practice -u in Bubblegum
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