Affirmative Commands of Irregular Verbs
Affirmative commands, or imperatives, are used in Spanish to give instructions, make requests, or offer suggestions. While regular verbs follow predictable patterns in their conjugation, irregular verbs require special attention because they do not adhere to standard rules. This article focuses on the conjugation of irregular verbs in affirmative commands, covering the tú, usted, nosotros, vosotros, and ustedes forms. Understanding these forms is essential for effective communication in Spanish.
Irregular verbs in affirmative commands often have unique forms that must be memorized, as they do not follow the standard conjugation patterns.
Common Irregular Verbs in Affirmative Commands
Below is a list of common irregular verbs and their affirmative command forms:
Tener - to have
| Subject | Verb Form | Meaning |
| Tú | ten | Have (informal) |
| Usted | tenga | Have (formal) |
| Nosotros | tengamos | Let's have |
| Vosotros | tened | Have (plural) |
| Ustedes | tengan | Have (plural, formal) |
Venir - to come
| Subject | Verb Form | Meaning |
| Tú | ven | Come (informal) |
| Usted | venga | Come (formal) |
| Nosotros | vengamos | Let's come |
| Vosotros | venid | Come (plural) |
| Ustedes | vengan | Come (plural, formal) |
Decir - to say/tell
| Subject | Verb Form | Meaning |
| Tú | di | Say/Tell (informal) |
| Usted | diga | Say/Tell (formal) |
| Nosotros | digamos | Let's say/tell |
| Vosotros | decid | Say/Tell (plural) |
| Ustedes | digan | Say/Tell (plural, formal) |
Salir - to leave
| Subject | Verb Form | Meaning |
| Tú | sal | Leave (informal) |
| Usted | salga | Leave (formal) |
| Nosotros | salgamos | Let's leave |
| Vosotros | salid | Leave (plural) |
| Ustedes | salgan | Leave (plural, formal) |
Hacer - to do/make
| Subject | Verb Form | Meaning |
| Tú | haz | Do/Make (informal) |
| Usted | haga | Do/Make (formal) |
| Nosotros | hagamos | Let's do/make |
| Vosotros | haced | Do/Make (plural) |
| Ustedes | hagan | Do/Make (plural, formal) |
Ir - to go
| Subject | Verb Form | Meaning |
| Tú | ve | Go (informal) |
| Usted | vaya | Go (formal) |
| Nosotros | vayamos | Let's go |
| Vosotros | id | Go (plural) |
| Ustedes | vayan | Go (plural, formal) |
Poner - to put
| Subject | Verb Form | Meaning |
| Tú | pon | Put (informal) |
| Usted | ponga | Put (formal) |
| Nosotros | pongamos | Let's put |
| Vosotros | poned | Put (plural) |
| Ustedes | pongan | Put (plural, formal) |
Ser - to be
| Subject | Verb Form | Meaning |
| Tú | sé | Be (informal) |
| Usted | sea | Be (formal) |
| Nosotros | seamos | Let's be |
| Vosotros | sed | Be (plural) |
| Ustedes | sean | Be (plural, formal) |
Saber - to know
| Subject | Verb Form | Meaning |
| Tú | sabe | Know (informal) |
| Usted | sepa | Know (formal) |
| Nosotros | sepamos | Let's know |
| Vosotros | sabed | Know (plural) |
| Ustedes | sepan | Know (plural, formal) |
Example
Tú: ¡Ten paciencia! - Have patience!
Usted: ¡Venga conmigo! - Come with me!
Nosotros: ¡Digamos algo! - Let's say something!
Vosotros: ¡Salid de aquí! - Leave from here!
Ustedes: ¡Hagan silencio! - Be quiet!
Conclusion
The conjugation of irregular verbs in affirmative commands is a vital skill for effective communication in Spanish. By understanding the unique forms and practicing regularly, learners can confidently give instructions, make requests, and suggest actions that include themselves and others. While irregular verbs may seem daunting at first, recognizing patterns and applying them consistently will lead to greater proficiency and ease in using the language. Whether you're telling someone to "ven aquí" (come here) or suggesting "vayamos al cine" (let's go to the movies), mastering these forms will significantly enhance your ability to communicate effectively in Spanish.
