Informal Imperative (tu)
Use the tu form of the imperative for direct orders or advice to friends and family. For -are verbs, use the -a ending; for -ere/-ire, use the -i ending. To say 'don't', use non + infinitive.
How It Works
The informal imperative is used for Ordini (orders), Consigli (advice), and Istruzioni (instructions).
1. Conjugation Rules:
- -ARE verbs: The ending is -a. Example: Mangia! (Eat!)
- -ERE verbs: The ending is -i. Example: Leggi! (Read!)
- -IRE verbs: The ending is -i. Example: Dormi! (Sleep!) or Finisci! (Finish!)
2. The Negative Form:
Unlike the affirmative, the negative imperative for tu always uses non followed by the infinitive of the verb. Example: Non fumare! (Don't smoke!)
3. Pronoun Placement:
When using direct object pronouns or indirect object pronouns, they attach to the end of the verb in the affirmative (e.g., chiamami!). In the negative, they can either go before the verb or attach to the end of the infinitive (e.g., non lo fare or non farlo).
4. Irregular Forms:
Some common verbs have irregular or short forms:
- Essere: sii
- Avere: abbi
- Sapere: sappi
- Dire: di'
- Andare, Fare, Dare, Stare: These often use short forms (va', fa', da', sta'). However, the full forms (vai, fai, dai, stai) are also grammatically correct in the affirmative when no pronoun is attached.
5. Doubling Consonants:
When a pronoun is attached to the short forms va', fa', da', sta', and di' (except for the pronoun gli), the first consonant of the pronoun doubles: dammi (give me), fallo (do it).
Examples (6)
- Guarda quel film, è bellissimo!
Watch that movie, it's beautiful!
Word by Word: Watch that film, is very beautiful!
For -are verbs like 'guardare', the informal imperative ends in -a.
- Prendi le chiavi sul tavolo.
Take the keys on the table.
Word by Word: Take the keys on the table.
For -ere verbs like 'prendere', the informal imperative ends in -i.
- Non correre in casa!
Don't run in the house!
Word by Word: Not to run in house!
The negative imperative for 'tu' is formed using 'non' + the infinitive.
- Dimmi la verità, per favore.
Tell me the truth, please.
Word by Word: Tell-me the truth, for favor.
The verb 'dire' uses the short form 'di''. When 'mi' is attached, the 'm' doubles to become 'dimmi'.
- Sii gentile con i tuoi amici.
Be kind to your friends.
Word by Word: Be kind with the your friends.
The verb 'essere' has the irregular imperative form 'sii'.
- Sappi che ti voglio bene.
Know that I love you.
Word by Word: Know that to-you I-want well.
The verb 'sapere' has the irregular imperative form 'sappi'.
Common Mistakes
Using the 'Lei' form with 'tu'.
Different MeaningParli più forte!Parla più forte!'Parli più forte!' is correct when you speak to someone you address as 'Lei'. For 'tu', -are verbs end in -a in the imperative: 'Parla più forte!'.
Using the 'Lei' form with 'tu' in a negative command.
Different MeaningNon mangi la pizza!Non mangiare la pizza!'Non mangi la pizza!' is correct for 'Lei'. For 'tu', the negative command uses the infinitive: 'Non mangiare la pizza!'.
Using an accent instead of an apostrophe for truncated forms.
Fà i compiti!Fa’ i compiti!Truncated imperatives like fa’, va’, and da’ use an apostrophe to indicate a missing syllable, not a grave accent.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To form the informal 'tu' imperative, you must first learn the present indicative conjugations for -are, -ere, and -ire verbs, as the imperative forms are derived directly from these existing conjugations.
Related Patterns
- Formal Imperative (Lei)
The formal version of this pattern, used with strangers or in professional settings.
Level 2 - Imperative with noi and voi
Extends the imperative mood to plural groups and 'let's' suggestions.
Level 2 - Clitic Pronoun Placement with the Imperative
Explains the specific rules for where to place pronouns when giving commands.
Level 3 - nonBasic Negation with 'Non'
The basic building block for forming negative commands.
Level 1 - Present Tense: -are Verbs
The imperative for -are verbs is often confused with its present tense counterpart.
Level 1
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Sources
Practice Informal Imperative (tu) in Bubblegum
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