The Basics
* "Tu" Form: The imperative for "tu" (you, informal) is the same as the infinitive of the verb, minus the final "r".
* Example: *parler* (to speak) --> *parle* (speak)
* "Vous" Form: The imperative for "vous" (you, formal or plural) is the same as the third person plural form of the verb in the present tense.
* Example: *ils/elles parlent* (they speak) --> *parlez* (speak)
Important Notes:
* Regular Verbs: The rules above apply to all regular verbs.
* Irregular Verbs: Some irregular verbs have special imperative forms. You'll need to learn these individually.
* "Ne" Negation: To negate an imperative, use "ne" before the verb.
* Example: *Parle pas!* (Don't speak!)
* "Pas" Negation: "Pas" is often used after the verb for stronger emphasis.
* Example: *Ne mange pas ça!* (Don't eat that!)
* Formal Imperative: In formal situations, it's often more polite to use "vous" instead of "tu," even with someone you know well.
Examples
| Infinitive | "tu" Form | "vous" Form | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| manger (to eat) | mange | mangez | eat |
| écrire (to write) | écris | écrivez | write |
| lire (to read) | lis | lisez | read |
| faire (to do) | fais | faites | do |
| aller (to go) | va | allez | go |
| venir (to come) | viens | venez | come |
Special Cases
* "Être" (to be): *Sois* (be, informal) and *Soyez* (be, formal/plural)
* "Avoir" (to have): *Aie* (have, informal) and *Ayez* (have, formal/plural)
* "Savoir" (to know): *Sache* (know, informal) and *Sachez* (know, formal/plural)
Practice is Key
Learning the imperative is a great way to make your French more conversational. Practice using these forms and remember to pay attention to the irregular verbs!