Language/Italian/Grammar/Imperative-Form

Italian Grammar - Subjunctive and Imperative Moods > Imperative Form

The imperative form is used to give orders, commands, and recommendations. It can be considered a mood, even though it is not always classified as such, since it is not used to express doubt or uncertainty, which are typical of subjunctive mood.

Formation

The imperative form is made by taking the present tense of the verb, removing the subject pronoun, and keeping only the stem of the verb.

For example, let's take the verb "mangiare" (to eat):

• Tu mangi! (You eat! / Eat!)
• Noi mangiamo! (We eat! / Let's eat!)

When the imperative is used with the third person singular (lui/lei), the equivalent is either the infinitive form or the subjunctive form. For example:

• Mangia la pasta! (Eat the pasta!)
• Che lui mangi la pasta! (Let him eat the pasta!)

The same applies to the third person plural (loro):

• Mangino la pasta! (Let them eat the pasta!)

Irregular Forms

Some verbs have irregular forms in the imperative:

Italian	English
avere (tu)	abbi	have
essere (tu)	sii	be
essere (noi)	siamo	let's be
fare (tu)	fa	do / make
fare (noi)	facciamo	let's do / make

Negative Form

To form a negative imperative, use the present subjunctive of the verb "non" (do not) + the imperative form of the verb.

For example:

• Non mangiare la pasta! (Don't eat the pasta!)
• Non prenda questo autobus! (Don't take this bus!)

Usage Tips

• The imperative is usually used to address a single person (tu), but it can also be used with other forms, such as voi or lei.
• The imperative is usually used with the second person singular (tu), rather than with the first or third person.
• The imperative form can be softened with expressions like "per favore" (please), "cerca di" (try to), "se possibile" (if possible), "gentilmente" (kindly), and so on.

Exercises

Translate the following sentences into Italian:

1. Open the window!
2. Don't worry about it.
3. Let's go to the cinema!
4. Be careful with that.
5. Do your best in the exam.
6. Don't be late.
7. Please, pass me the salt.
8. Let's have a glass of wine.
9. Call me tomorrow.

Sources

• Imperative mood
• Italian verbs

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

  ---

Italian Culture and Tradition

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

  ---

Past and Future Tenses

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

  ---

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

  ---

Subjunctive and Imperative Moods

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

  ---

Science and Technology

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

  ---

Italian Politics and Society

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

  ---

Compound Tenses

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

  ---

Arts and Design

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

  ---

Italian Language and Dialects

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

Related 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