THE IMPERATIVE MOOD

This is the form of the verb which is used to give orders, commands or requests.

For example:

1. Listen carefully = Ascolta attentamente.
2. Take notes in Italian. = Prendete appunti in italiano.
3. Let's go! = Andiamo!

Here is how the imperative is formed:

These forms are the most frequently used.

However, to express a command or request in more polite or formal language, use the following forms:

This is why there are apparently two ways of saying "Excuse me". The explanation is:
Use scusa if you addressing someone informally.
Use scusi if you are being formal or polite.

There is also a form of the imperative equivalent to the English structure "Let's finish early" "Let's go to lunch". The equivalent in Italian is:
Let's finish early = Finiamo presto.
Let's go to lunch = Andiamo a pranzare.

You'll see that this form of the imperative is the same as the ordinary present tense.

A few verbs have an irregular formation:

Very often general commands are expressed by the infinitive, e.g.:

1. Tirare = Pull
2. Spingere = Push

Remember that pronouns get attached to the end of the imperative to form one word, e.g.

1. Ripetilo, per favore. = Repeat it, please.
2. Leggimelo = Read me it.

With imperatives of only one syllable, like da', fa', sta', di', the first consonant of the pronoun is doubled (but not with "gli"), e.g.

1. Dimmi! = Tell me!
2. Stacci = Stay there
3. Dammelo! = Give me it!
4. Diglielo = Tell it to him!

However, with the formal imperative, pronouns go in front of it, e.g.:

1. Mi dica! = Tell me.
2. S'accomodi! = Have a seat.

NEGATIVE COMMANDS: "DON'T EAT IN THE CORRIDORS" "NO SMOKING"

Negative commands are usually expressed in Italian with non followed by the infinitive verb.For example:

1. Don't eat in the corridors! = Non mangiare nei corridoi!
2. No smoking! = Non fumare!
3. Don't throw things out of the window = Non gettare oggetti dalla finestra.

However, if you want to direct a negative commands to more than one person, use the normal imperative preceded by non, e.g.:

1. Don't run, boys! = Non correte, ragazzi!
2. Don't eat too much, gentelmen! = Non mangiate troppo, signori!

Finally, if you want the negative command using the more formal imperative, simply put non in front of it, e.g.:

1. Don't drink it! = Non lo beva!
2. Don't give it to him! = Non glielo dia!

N.B. In the writing you will do at Standard Grade and Higher, you will probably never use this mood of the verb, but you will certainly meet it when you are reading Italian, so learn it!

Return to Grammar Index Page.