DELE A2 Guide: Spanish Formal Commands (Usted/Ustedes)

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Key Takeaways

• Master formal commands for Usted (you formal) and Ustedes (you all)
• Learn regular and irregular formal command forms
• Understand pronoun placement with formal commands
• Practice with real-world DELE A2 scenarios and examples

Welcome to your complete guide to Spanish Formal Commands. This essential grammar topic allows you to communicate respectfully in professional situations, with elders, or with people you don’t know well. Mastering formal commands is crucial for the DELE A2 exam, especially in situations requiring polite communication.

What Are Formal Commands?
Formal commands (el imperativo formal) are used with:

• Usted (singular, formal “you”) – for one person
• Ustedes (plural, “you all”) – for multiple people (used in both formal and informal contexts in Latin America)

Formal Command Formation – Regular Verbs

Rule: Use the present subjunctive form for both Usted and Ustedes commands.

Verb Type	Usted Command	Ustedes Command	English
-AR verbs	hable	hablen	speak
-ER verbs	coma	coman	eat
-IR verbs	viva	vivan	live

Examples:

• “Hable más despacio, por favor.” (Speak more slowly, please – to one person)
• “Hablen más alto, por favor.” (Speak louder, please – to multiple people)
• “Espere un momento.” (Wait a moment – to one person)

Formal Command Formation – Irregular Verbs

Verb	Usted Command	Ustedes Command	English
ser	sea	sean	be
ir	vaya	vayan	go
dar	dé	den	give
estar	esté	estén	be
saber	sepa	sepan	know

Examples:

• “Sea puntual, por favor.” (Be punctual, please.)
• “Vayan a la recepción.” (Go to the reception.)
• “Denme su pasaporte.” (Give me your passport.)

Pronoun Placement with Formal Commands

Rule: Pronouns are attached to affirmative commands and placed before negative commands.

Affirmative Commands:

• “Siéntese, por favor.” (Sit down, please.)
• “Levántense temprano.” (Wake up early.)
• “Dígame su nombre.” (Tell me your name.)

Negative Commands:

• “No se siente aquí.” (Don’t sit here.)
• “No se levanten todavía.” (Don’t get up yet.)
• “No me diga eso.” (Don’t tell me that.)

DELE A2 Practical Scenarios

Scenario 1: Hotel & Customer Service

• “Firme aquí, por favor.” (Sign here, please.)
• “Esperen en la sala.” (Wait in the lounge.)
• “No fume en la habitación.” (Don’t smoke in the room.)

Scenario 2: Office & Professional Settings

• “Envíe el documento por email.” (Send the document by email.)
• “Reúnanse a las tres.” (Meet at three o’clock.)
• “No llegue tarde a la reunión.” (Don’t arrive late to the meeting.)

Scenario 3: Public Places & Directions

• “Gire a la izquierda.” (Turn left.)
• “Tomen asiento.” (Have a seat.)
• “No estacione aquí.” (Don’t park here.)

Common Polite Expressions with Commands

• “Por favor” (please)
• “Gracias” (thank you)
• “Disculpe” (excuse me – to get attention)
• “Perdone” (pardon me)

DELE A2 Exam Tips

1. Speaking Section: Use formal commands in role-plays (hotel, restaurant, shop)
2. Writing Section: Show you can use both Usted and Ustedes forms correctly
3. Listening Section: Recognize formal commands in announcements and instructions
4. Key Contexts: Customer service, directions, professional advice

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t confuse formal and informal command forms
• Remember to use present subjunctive for formal commands
• Practice pronoun placement with reflexive verbs
• Don’t forget accent marks when adding pronouns

Special Cases: Reflexive Verbs

• “Lávese las manos.” (Wash your hands.)
• “Levántense.” (Stand up – to multiple people)
• “No se preocupe.” (Don’t worry.)

Next Step: Test Your Knowledge!
Ready to master formal commands?

Take our DELE A2 Formal Commands Quiz here to ensure you’re prepared for the exam.

What’s Next in Your DELE A2 Journey?

• Need to review informal commands? Study DELE A2 Informal Commands
• Ready for more grammar? Practice DELE A2 Object Pronouns
• Want related topics? Learn DELE A2 Reflexive Verbs
• Practice all A2 grammar? Return to DELE A2 Grammar Hub

Master formal commands and you’ll communicate respectfully and effectively in Spanish-speaking environments!