The Infinitive as a Command
Signs and instructions use the infinitive instead of the imperative: Nefajčiť! (No smoking!), Nevykláňať sa z okna (Do not lean out of the window), Pred použitím pretrepať (Shake before use).
How It Works
Where you see it.
- Signs and notices: Nefajčiť! (No smoking!), Nerušiť! (Do not disturb!), Neparkovať pred bránou. (No parking in front of the gate.)
- Instructions: Pred použitím pretrepať. (Shake before use.) Uchovávať mimo dosahu detí. (Keep out of reach of children.)
- Recipes: Cibuľu nakrájať nadrobno. (Chop the onion finely.)
- Strict orders: Všetci vstať! (All rise!)
How to form it.
- Negation is ne- written together with the infinitive, as in negating verbs: nefajčiť.
- Keep sa or si: Nevykláňať sa z okna. Nedotýkať sa exponátov.
- A prohibition uses the imperfective, just like a negative command: Neparkovať, Neotvárať.
Tone. Written on a sign, the infinitive is neutral. Said to someone face to face, it sounds like a sergeant or a strict teacher. In conversation use the imperative: Nefajčite tu, prosím.
Examples (6)
- Nefajčiť!
No smoking!
Word by Word: Not-to-smoke!
- Nevykláňať sa z okna.
Do not lean out of the window.
Word by Word: Not-to-lean self out-of window.
- Nerušiť!
Do not disturb!
Word by Word: Not-to-disturb!
- Pred použitím pretrepať.
Shake before use.
Word by Word: Before use to-shake.
- Cibuľu nakrájať nadrobno a opražiť na oleji.
Chop the onion finely and fry it in oil.
Word by Word: Onion to-chop finely and to-fry on oil.
- Nedotýkať sa exponátov.
Do not touch the exhibits.
Word by Word: Not-to-touch self of-exhibits.
Dotýkať sa takes the genitive: exponáty → exponátov.
Common Mistakes
Negating with a separate nie.
Nie fajčiť!Nefajčiť!Verbs are negated with ne- written as one word, including infinitives.
Dropping sa from a reflexive verb.
Nevykláňať z okna.Nevykláňať sa z okna.Vykláňať sa is reflexive, and sa stays in the infinitive command.
Using a perfective verb for a prohibition.
Nezaparkovať pred bránou.Neparkovať pred bránou.Prohibitions use the imperfective, just as negative commands do: neparkovať, not nezaparkovať.
How It Connects
Learn This First
Before The Infinitive as a Command, learn Negative Commands. The infinitive can replace the imperative, including negative commands.
Related Patterns
- Aspect in Negative Commands
Prohibitions use the imperfective, in the imperative and in the infinitive.
Level 4 - ne-Negating Verbs with Ne-
The infinitive is negated with ne- written as one word.
Level 1 - -te / -meCommands with -te and -me
The polite spoken alternative to an infinitive command.
Level 2 - Verb + saReflexive Verbs with Sa
Reflexive sa stays in the infinitive: nevykláňať sa.
Level 2
Practice The Infinitive as a Command in Bubblegum
Poppy, your AI tutor, writes Slovak lessons at your level. Tap any grammar point in a lesson to see its full explanation.
