Impératif · commands
Drop the subject pronoun. -er verbs in tu form drop the -s. Reflexive verbs use stressed pronouns after the verb: lève-toi (not te lève).
Examples
- Mange ton pain !Eat your bread!
- Lève-toi !Get up!
How it works
The imperative (the command form of a verb) is for commands, instructions and suggestions. There are only THREE forms, and you drop the subject pronoun.
The forms come straight from the présent:
parler (to speak):
Why -er verbs lose the -s: it sounds identical either way, and dropping it became the standard spelling. -ir and -re verbs keep theirs:
Common irregulars
Reflexive verbs
the trickiest part. Affirmative: the pronoun moves AFTER the verb with a hyphen, and te / me become the stressed forms toi / moi:
Negative
the pronoun goes back in front, unstressed:
Don't sit down!
Ordinary negation works as usual, ne…pas around the verb:
Object pronouns behave like reflexives — after the verb in the affirmative, with me → moi:
What you'll practise
1. tu form
Drop the subject. -er verbs lose the final -s (Mange! not Manges!). -ir/-re keep their -s.
- Mange !Eat!
- Finis !Finish!
2. vous form
Identical to présent vous form, just without the pronoun.
- Mangez !Eat!
3. nous form (let's)
Translates as 'let's'. Same form as présent nous.
- Partons !Let's go! (let's leave)
4. Reflexive imperative
Reflexive pronouns become stressed (toi/nous/vous) and go AFTER the verb with a hyphen. Lève-toi (not te lève).
- Lève-toi !Get up!
- Asseyez-vous !Sit down!
5. Negative imperative
ne…pas wraps as usual. Reflexive pronouns go BEFORE the verb in negative form (ne te lève pas).
- Ne mange pas !Don't eat!
- Ne te lève pas !Don't get up!
Practise it until it sticks
Short drills built on these 5 skills, with instant feedback on every answer. Free to start.