Imperative with noi and voi
The imperative for noi (we) and voi (you plural) is used to give collective suggestions or orders to a group. For almost all verbs, these forms are identical to the present indicative.
How It Works
In Italian, the imperative for noi and voi is very straightforward because it usually mirrors the present tense. However, there are specific rules for pronouns and a few irregular verbs.
1. Formation
For regular verbs in -are, -ere, and -ire, simply use the present tense forms:
- Parlare: Parliamo! (Let's speak!), Parlate! (Speak!)
- Prendere: Prendiamo! (Let's take!), Prendete! (Take!)
- Partire: Partiamo! (Let's leave!), Partite! (Leave!)
2. Irregular Verbs (Voi only)
While the noi form is always the same as the indicative, four common verbs use their subjunctive forms for the voi imperative:
- Essere: Siate (Be!)
- Avere: Abbiate (Have!)
- Sapere: Sappiate (Know/Be aware!)
- Volere: Vogliate (Please be willing to/Kindly...)
3. Pronoun Placement
In affirmative commands, pronouns (like ci, lo, mi) must be attached to the end of the verb to form a single word. In negative commands, they can go before or after.
- Andiamoci! (Let's go there!)
- Non lo fate! OR Non fatelo! (Don't do it!)
Examples (5)
- Ragazzi, ascoltate bene la lezione!
Guys, listen to the lesson carefully!
Word by Word: Guys, listen well the lesson!
Uses the 'voi' form of 'ascoltare' to give a command to a group.
- È una bella giornata, andiamo al mare!
It's a beautiful day, let's go to the beach!
Word by Word: It is a beautiful day, let's go to the sea!
Uses the 'noi' form of 'andare' as an invitation (Let's...).
- Siate gentili con i vostri compagni.
Be kind to your classmates.
Word by Word: Be (plural) kind with the your classmates.
Demonstrates the irregular 'voi' imperative of 'essere' (siate).
- Prendiamolo subito!
Let's take it right now!
Word by Word: Let's take it immediately!
Shows how the pronoun 'lo' attaches to the end of the 'noi' imperative.
- Non abbiate paura, tutto andrà bene.
Don't be afraid, everything will be fine.
Word by Word: Not have (plural) fear, all will go well.
Uses the irregular 'voi' imperative of 'avere' in a negative command.
Common Mistakes
Including the subject pronoun (noi/voi) in the command.
Noi mangiamo la pizza!Mangiamo la pizza!In the imperative, subject pronouns are omitted unless you want to add extreme emphasis or contrast.
Using the indicative 'siete' instead of 'siate' for the verb 'essere'.
Siete pronti!Siate pronti!For the verb 'essere', the 'voi' imperative uses the subjunctive form 'siate', not the indicative 'siete'.
Placing the pronoun before the verb in affirmative commands.
Ci andiamo!Andiamoci!In affirmative imperative forms, pronouns must be attached to the end of the verb.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To form the imperative for 'noi' (let's...) and 'voi' (you all), you simply use the standard present indicative conjugations for these subjects. Therefore, a solid grasp of regular present tense verb endings is essential.
Related Patterns
- Informal Imperative (tu)
The singular informal counterpart to the noi/voi imperative.
Level 1 - Formal Imperative (Lei)
The formal singular command form, which uses the subjunctive.
Level 2 - Clitic Pronoun Placement with the Imperative
Explains the rules for where to place object pronouns when giving commands.
Level 3 - Present Tense: -are Verbs
The base conjugation used for most noi/voi imperative forms.
Level 1 - Present Subjunctive (Irregular Verbs)
Provides the forms for the irregular voi imperatives (siate, abbiate, sappiate, vogliate).
Level 3
Sources
Practice Imperative with noi and voi in Bubblegum
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