Language/Italian/Grammar/Imperative-Form

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Italian → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Imperative Form

In the previous lesson, we learned about the Present Subjunctive mood in Italian. We explored how to form and use this mood to express doubts, desires, and possibilities. In this lesson, we will continue our journey through Italian grammar by exploring the Imperative mood. The Imperative mood is used to give commands or make requests in Italian. It is a versatile and important aspect of the Italian language that you will encounter in various situations. So let's dive in and learn how to form and use the Imperative mood in Italian!

What is the Imperative Mood?

The Imperative mood is a verb form used to give commands, make requests, or express desires. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and is an essential tool for effective communication in Italian. The Imperative mood is formed by using the base form of the verb, without any subject pronouns. It is important to note that the Imperative mood is only used with the second person, singular and plural.

Forming the Imperative Mood

To form the Imperative mood in Italian, we need to consider whether the verb is regular or irregular. Regular verbs follow a predictable pattern, while irregular verbs have unique conjugations. Let's explore both cases in detail.

Regular Verbs

Regular verbs in the Imperative mood follow a simple pattern. To form the Imperative mood, we remove the final -e of the infinitive verb and add the appropriate ending. Let's take a look at the different endings for regular verbs:

• For -are verbs:

 * Second person singular: -a
 * Second person plural: -ate
 

• For -ere verbs:

 * Second person singular: -i
 * Second person plural: -ete
 

• For -ire verbs:

 * Second person singular: -i
 * Second person plural: -ite

Here are some examples of regular verbs in the Imperative mood:

• Parlare (to speak):

 * Parla (speak) - second person singular
 * Parlate (speak) - second person plural

• Mangiare (to eat):

 * Mangia (eat) - second person singular
 * Mangiate (eat) - second person plural

• Dormire (to sleep):

 * Dormi (sleep) - second person singular
 * Dormite (sleep) - second person plural

Irregular Verbs

Irregular verbs in the Imperative mood do not follow the regular pattern and have unique conjugations. It is essential to memorize the specific forms of irregular verbs to correctly use the Imperative mood. Let's explore some common irregular verbs and their Imperative forms:

• Avere (to have):

 * Second person singular: Abbi (have)
 * Second person plural: Abbiate (have)

• Essere (to be):

 * Second person singular: Sii (be)
 * Second person plural: Siate (be)

• Fare (to do/make):

 * Second person singular: Fai (do/make)
 * Second person plural: Fate (do/make)

Using the Imperative Mood

Now that we know how to form the Imperative mood, let's explore how to use it in different situations. The Imperative mood is commonly used to give commands, make requests, or express desires. It is important to note that the Imperative mood is always used without subject pronouns, as the subject is implied.

Giving Commands

To give commands using the Imperative mood, we use the verb in its second person singular or plural form. Here are a few examples:

• Vieni qui! (Come here!)
• Parla più lentamente. (Speak more slowly.)
• Ascolta la musica. (Listen to the music.)
• Studiate per l'esame. (Study for the exam.)

Making Requests

When making requests using the Imperative mood, we use the verb in its second person singular or plural form. However, we can soften the request by adding the word "per favore" (please). Here are some examples:

• Prendi una penna, per favore. (Take a pen, please.)
• Apri la finestra, per favore. (Open the window, please.)
• Porta il libro, per favore. (Bring the book, please.)
• Chiamami domani, per favore. (Call me tomorrow, please.)

Expressing Desires

To express desires using the Imperative mood, we use the verb in its second person singular or plural form. This form of the Imperative mood is often used to express wishes or hopes. Here are a few examples:

• Vieni alla festa! (Come to the party!)
• Divertiti! (Have fun!)
• Riposati un po'. (Rest a bit.)
• Rilassatevi e godetevi la vacanza. (Relax and enjoy your vacation.)

Exceptions and Special Cases

While the Imperative mood in Italian is generally straightforward, there are a few exceptions and special cases to be aware of. Let's explore them:

Reflexive Verbs

When using reflexive verbs in the Imperative mood, we maintain the reflexive pronoun before the verb. Here are a few examples:

• Lavati le mani. (Wash your hands.)
• Vestiti bene. (Dress well.)
• Svegliati presto. (Wake up early.)

Negative Imperative

To form the negative Imperative, we use the word "non" before the verb. Here are a few examples:

• Non parlare così forte. (Don't speak so loudly.)
• Non mangiate troppo. (Don't eat too much.)
• Non dimenticare di chiamarmi. (Don't forget to call me.)

Polite Imperative

In formal situations or when addressing someone with respect, we can use the polite Imperative form. To form the polite Imperative, we use the third person singular form of the verb. Here are a few examples:

• Si accomodi. (Please have a seat.)
• Si sieda, per favore. (Please sit down.)
• Si prenda cura di sé. (Please take care of yourself.)

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have learned how to form and use the Imperative mood in Italian. The Imperative mood is a powerful tool for giving commands, making requests, and expressing desires. By mastering this aspect of Italian grammar, you will be able to communicate more effectively and confidently in various situations. In the next lesson, we will delve into the Simple Past Subjunctive mood. So stay tuned and keep up the great work!

Table of Contents - Italian Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

Introduction to Italian Language

• Italian Alphabet
• Nouns and Articles
• Present Tense of Regular Verbs
• Adjectives and Adverbs
• Present Tense of Irregular Verbs

  ---

Daily Life Expressions

• Greetings and Introductions
• Foods and Drinks
• Transportation
• Numbers and Dates

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Italian Culture and Tradition

• Italian Regions and Cities
• Italian Cuisine and Wine
• Italian Art and Music
• Italian Festivals and Celebrations

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Past and Future Tenses

• Passato Prossimo
• Futuro Semplice
• Imperfect Tense
• Condizionale Presente

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Social and Work Life

• Family and Relationships
• Work and Employment
• Shopping and Services
• Tourism and Hospitality

  ---

Italian Literature and Cinema

• Famous Italian Writers and Poets
• Italian Cinema Industry
• Italian Contemporary Art

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Subjunctive and Imperative Moods

• Present Subjunctive
• Imperative Form
• Simple Past Subjunctive
• Conditional Subjunctive

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Science and Technology

• Computer and Technology
• Science and Research
• Environment and Ecology

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Italian Politics and Society

• Contemporary Italian Politics
• Italian Society and Customs
• Religion and Believes

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Compound Tenses

• Trapassato Prossimo
• Trapassato Remoto
• Futuro Anteriore
• Congiuntivo Passato

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Arts and Design

• Fashion and Design
• Music and Performing Arts
• Visual Arts

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Italian Language and Dialects

• Italian Language Variations
• Italian Language in the World
• Italian Language as a Second Language

Sources

• How do you form the imperative in Italian? | Learning Italian - Grammar
• The Imperative Mood in Italian
• Italian Imperative - How To Give An Order In Italian - Learn Italian Go

Other Lessons

• Negation
• Italian Alphabet
• Present Tense of Regular Verbs
• Future Tense
• Do and Say
• 0 to A1 Course
• Simple Past Subjunctive
• How to Use be
• Conditional Tense
• Past Participle in Italian

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