DELE A2 Guide: Spanish Informal Commands (Tú – Affirmative & Negative)
← Return to DELE A2 Grammar Hub
→ Want to practice first? Try our Informal Commands Quiz!
Key Takeaways
- Master regular and irregular affirmative tú commands
- Learn how to form negative tú commands with “no”
- Understand pronoun placement with commands
- Practice with real-life DELE A2 scenarios and examples
Welcome to your complete guide to Spanish Informal Commands (Imperativo). This essential grammar topic allows you to give instructions, make requests, and offer advice in everyday situations. Mastering commands is crucial for the DELE A2 exam, especially in speaking tasks where you need to demonstrate practical language use.
What Are Informal Commands?
Informal commands (el imperativo) are used with people you address as “tú” (friends, family, peers). There are two types:
- Affirmative: Telling someone TO DO something
- Negative: Telling someone NOT TO DO something
Affirmative Tú Commands – Regular Verbs
Formation: Use the third-person singular (él/ella/usted) form of the present tense.
| Verb Type | Example | Command | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| -AR verbs | hablar | habla | speak |
| -ER verbs | comer | come | eat |
| -IR verbs | vivir | vive | live |
Examples:
- “Habla más despacio, por favor.” (Speak more slowly, please.)
- “Come tus verduras.” (Eat your vegetables.)
- “Abre la ventana.” (Open the window.)
Affirmative Tú Commands – Common Irregular Verbs
| Verb | Command | English |
|---|---|---|
| ser | sé | be |
| ir | ve | go |
| tener | ten | have |
| venir | ven | come |
| hacer | haz | do/make |
| decir | di | say |
| poner | pon | put |
| salir | sal | leave |
Examples:
- “Sé amable con tu hermana.” (Be kind to your sister.)
- “Ve a la tienda.” (Go to the store.)
- “Ten cuidado.” (Be careful.)
Negative Tú Commands – Regular Verbs
Formation:
- Start with “no”
- Use the tú form of the present subjunctive
| Verb Type | Example | Negative Command | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| -AR verbs | hablar | no hables | don’t speak |
| -ER verbs | comer | no comas | don’t eat |
| -IR verbs | vivir | no vivas | don’t live |
Examples:
- “No hables tan rápido.” (Don’t speak so fast.)
- “No comas eso.” (Don’t eat that.)
- “No abras la puerta.” (Don’t open the door.)
Negative Tú Commands – Irregular Verbs
| Verb | Negative Command | English |
|---|---|---|
| ser | no seas | don’t be |
| ir | no vayas | don’t go |
| dar | no des | don’t give |
| estar | no estés | don’t be |
| saber | no sepas | don’t know |
Examples:
- “No seas impaciente.” (Don’t be impatient.)
- “No vayas allí solo.” (Don’t go there alone.)
Pronoun Placement with Commands
Affirmative Commands: Attach pronouns to the end of the verb
- “Dime la verdad.” (Tell me the truth.)
- “Hazlo ahora.” (Do it now.)
Negative Commands: Place pronouns before the verb
- “No me digas eso.” (Don’t tell me that.)
- “No lo hagas.” (Don’t do it.)
DELE A2 Practical Scenarios
1: Giving Directions
- “Gira a la derecha.” (Turn right.)
- “Sigue todo recto.” (Go straight ahead.)
- “No cruces la calle aquí.” (Don’t cross the street here.)
2: Household Instructions
- “Limpia tu habitación.” (Clean your room.)
- “No uses mi ordenador.” (Don’t use my computer.)
- “Pon la mesa, por favor.” (Set the table, please.)
3: Social Situations
- “Ven a mi fiesta.” (Come to my party.)
- “No llegues tarde.” (Don’t arrive late.)
- “Trae algo de beber.” (Bring something to drink.)
DELE A2 Exam Tips
- Speaking Section: Use commands when giving advice or instructions
- Writing Section: Show you can use both affirmative and negative forms
- Listening Section: Recognize commands in conversations and instructions
- Common Topics: Directions, recipes, advice, household tasks
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t confuse affirmative and negative forms
- Remember pronoun placement rules
- Practice the irregular verbs – they’re frequently used
- Don’t use the infinitive form for commands
Memory Tip:
For affirmative irregular commands, remember this sentence:
“Ven di sal haz ten ve pon sé” (Come, say, leave, do/make, have, go, put, be)
Next Step: Test Your Knowledge!
Ready to master informal commands?
Take our DELE A2 Informal Commands Quiz here to ensure you’re prepared for the exam.
What’s Next in Your DELE A2 Journey?
- Ready for formal commands? Study DELE A2 Formal Commands
- Need more practice? Review DELE A2 Object Pronouns
- Want related topics? Learn DELE A2 Reflexive Verbs
- Practice all A2 grammar? Return to DELE A2 Grammar Hub
Master informal commands and you’ll be able to navigate daily Spanish conversations with confidence!
