Formal Imperative (Lei)

Level 2

The imperativo formale is used to give orders, instructions, or advice to people you don't know well, elders, or superiors. It uses the present subjunctive forms and has unique rules for pronoun placement.

How It Works

The formal imperative is essential for polite social interaction in Italy. While it functions as a command, it is technically the 'hortatory subjunctive' used to fill the gap for the formal 'you'.

1. Conjugation Patterns:
The endings are the opposite of what you might expect if you only know the informal imperative:

-ARE verbs: end in -i (e.g., Parli!).
-ERE / -IRE verbs: end in -a (e.g., Scriva!, Dica!).
-ISC- verbs: keep the suffix (e.g., Finisca!).

2. Spelling Adjustments:
To maintain the correct sound, verbs ending in -care/-gare add an 'h' (Cerchi!, Paghi!), while verbs in -ciare/-giare drop the 'i' (Mangi!, Cominci!).

3. Pronoun Placement:
This is a major difference from the informal form. In the formal imperative, direct and indirect pronouns always come before the verb. For example: Mi dica (Tell me) vs. the informal Dimmi.

4. Negative Form:
To make a formal command negative, simply place non before the verb. Unlike the tu form, you never use the infinitive here. Example: Non si preoccupi (Don't worry).

Examples (5)

Mi scusi, può ripetere per favore?
Excuse me, can you repeat please?
Word by Word: Me excuse, can repeat for favor?
The verb 'scusare' is an -ARE verb, so the formal ending is -i. The pronoun 'mi' precedes the verb.
Si accomodi pure, il dottore La riceverà tra poco.
Please make yourself comfortable; the doctor will see you shortly.
Word by Word: Self accommodate indeed, the doctor You will receive between little.
A common formal invitation using the reflexive verb 'accomodarsi'. The pronoun 'si' comes before the verb.
Non si preoccupi, signora, ci pensiamo noi.
Don't worry, ma'am, we'll take care of it.
Word by Word: Not self worry, lady, to it think we.
In the formal negative imperative, 'non' is placed before the pronoun and the conjugated verb.
Prenda questa medicina dopo i pasti.
Take this medicine after meals.
Word by Word: Take this medicine after the meals.
'Prendere' is an -ERE verb, so the formal imperative ending is -a.
Giri a destra al prossimo incrocio.
Turn right at the next intersection.
Word by Word: Turn to right at the next intersection.
Giving directions formally using 'girare' (-ARE verb) with the -i ending.

Common Mistakes

Attaching pronouns to the end of the formal verb.
Mi scusimi, signore.
Mi scusi, signore.
Pronouns only attach to the end of informal imperatives (tu, noi, voi). In the formal 'Lei' form, they must come before the verb.
Using the infinitive for the negative formal command.
Signore, non fumare qui!
Signore, non fumi qui!
The 'non + infinitive' rule is only for the informal 'tu' form. For 'Lei', you must use the conjugated subjunctive form.
Confusing the -a and -i endings between formal and informal.
Signore, guarda!
Signore, guardi!
For -ARE verbs, the informal command ends in -a (Guarda!), but the formal command ends in -i (Guardi!).

How It Connects

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Formal Imperative (Lei)Level 2

Learn This First

To learn the formal imperative (Lei), a learner must first understand the distinction between formal and informal address in Italian. While the formal imperative technically uses the present subjunctive forms, at this level, it is often introduced as a functional extension of the imperative system. Therefore, knowing the subject pronouns and the informal imperative provides the necessary structural and social context.

Sources

Practice Formal Imperative (Lei) in Bubblegum

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