The imperative mood is an essential aspect of Portuguese grammar, especially for those who wish to achieve fluency and convey commands, requests, or instructions effectively. Unlike other moods, which express actions, states, or conditions, the imperative mood is used primarily to give orders, advice, or invitations. Understanding how to use the imperative mood correctly can significantly enhance your communication skills in Portuguese.
Understanding the Imperative Mood
The imperative mood in Portuguese is used to issue direct commands or requests. Unlike the indicative or subjunctive moods, which describe actions or states, the imperative mood is all about influencing someone else’s actions. For instance, when you want someone to open the door, you would use the imperative form of the verb “abrir.”
Forming the Imperative Mood
The formation of the imperative mood in Portuguese varies depending on whether the command is affirmative (telling someone to do something) or negative (telling someone not to do something). Additionally, the form changes based on whether you are addressing someone formally or informally.
Affirmative Commands
For affirmative commands, the imperative forms are derived from the present indicative (for “tu”) and the present subjunctive (for “você,” “nós,” and “vocês”). Here are the rules for forming affirmative commands:
1. **”Tu” form**: Use the third-person singular form of the present indicative, but drop the final “s” in regular verbs.
– Ex: “Falar” (to speak) becomes “Fala” (Speak!).
2. **”Você” form**: Use the third-person singular form of the present subjunctive.
– Ex: “Falar” becomes “Fale” (Speak!).
3. **”Nós” form**: Use the first-person plural form of the present subjunctive.
– Ex: “Falar” becomes “Falemos” (Let’s speak!).
4. **”Vocês” form**: Use the third-person plural form of the present subjunctive.
– Ex: “Falar” becomes “Falem” (Speak!).
Here are some examples:
– “Comer” (to eat)
– Tu: Come (Eat!)
– Você: Coma (Eat!)
– Nós: Comamos (Let’s eat!)
– Vocês: Comam (Eat!)
– “Abrir” (to open)
– Tu: Abre (Open!)
– Você: Abra (Open!)
– Nós: Abramos (Let’s open!)
– Vocês: Abram (Open!)
Negative Commands
Negative commands are simpler to form because they use the present subjunctive for all persons. Simply place “não” (no) before the verb.
1. **”Tu” form**: Use the second-person singular form of the present subjunctive.
– Ex: “Falar” becomes “Não fales” (Don’t speak!).
2. **”Você” form**: Use the third-person singular form of the present subjunctive.
– Ex: “Falar” becomes “Não fale” (Don’t speak!).
3. **”Nós” form**: Use the first-person plural form of the present subjunctive.
– Ex: “Falar” becomes “Não falemos” (Let’s not speak!).
4. **”Vocês” form**: Use the third-person plural form of the present subjunctive.
– Ex: “Falar” becomes “Não falem” (Don’t speak!).
Here are some examples:
– “Comer” (to eat)
– Tu: Não comas (Don’t eat!)
– Você: Não coma (Don’t eat!)
– Nós: Não comamos (Let’s not eat!)
– Vocês: Não comam (Don’t eat!)
– “Abrir” (to open)
– Tu: Não abras (Don’t open!)
– Você: Não abra (Don’t open!)
– Nós: Não abramos (Let’s not open!)
– Vocês: Não abram (Don’t open!)
Irregular Verbs in the Imperative Mood
Just like in English, Portuguese has irregular verbs that do not follow the standard rules for conjugation. Here are a few common irregular verbs in the imperative mood:
1. **Ser** (to be)
– Tu: Sê (Be!)
– Você: Seja (Be!)
– Nós: Sejamos (Let’s be!)
– Vocês: Sejam (Be!)
2. **Ir** (to go)
– Tu: Vai (Go!)
– Você: Vá (Go!)
– Nós: Vamos (Let’s go!)
– Vocês: Vão (Go!)
3. **Ter** (to have)
– Tu: Tem (Have!)
– Você: Tenha (Have!)
– Nós: Tenhamos (Let’s have!)
– Vocês: Tenham (Have!)
4. **Estar** (to be)
– Tu: Está (Be!)
– Você: Esteja (Be!)
– Nós: Estejamos (Let’s be!)
– Vocês: Estejam (Be!)
Usage of the Imperative Mood
The imperative mood is versatile and can be used in various contexts. Here are some common situations where you might use it:
Giving Orders and Instructions
One of the most straightforward uses of the imperative mood is giving orders or instructions. Whether you’re telling someone to do their homework, clean their room, or follow a procedure, the imperative mood is your go-to.
– “Feche a porta.” (Close the door.)
– “Estude para o exame.” (Study for the exam.)
– “Siga as instruções.” (Follow the instructions.)
Making Requests
While giving orders might sound harsh, the imperative mood can also be used to make polite requests, especially when paired with words like “por favor” (please).
– “Passe o sal, por favor.” (Pass the salt, please.)
– “Ajude-me com isto, por favor.” (Help me with this, please.)
– “Diga-me a verdade.” (Tell me the truth.)
Offering Invitations
The imperative mood can also be used to extend invitations or encourage someone to join you in an activity.
– “Venha à minha festa.” (Come to my party.)
– “Vamos ao cinema.” (Let’s go to the movies.)
– “Entre, por favor.” (Come in, please.)
Giving Advice
When you want to offer advice or suggestions, the imperative mood can be very effective.
– “Descanse um pouco.” (Rest a little.)
– “Coma mais vegetais.” (Eat more vegetables.)
– “Leia este livro.” (Read this book.)
Politeness and Formality
In Portuguese, the level of formality can greatly affect the choice of verb forms, including those in the imperative mood. Using the correct formality level is crucial for effective and respectful communication.
Informal Commands
Informal commands are typically used with friends, family, and people of the same age group or younger. The “tu” form is commonly used in these situations.
– “Fala mais devagar.” (Speak more slowly.)
– “Vem aqui.” (Come here.)
Formal Commands
Formal commands are used in more respectful or professional settings, such as speaking to elders, superiors, or strangers. The “você” form is appropriate here.
– “Fale mais devagar.” (Speak more slowly.)
– “Venha aqui.” (Come here.)
It’s important to note that in some regions of Brazil, “você” is commonly used in informal contexts as well, but it still maintains a level of respect compared to “tu.”
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Learning the imperative mood can be challenging, and it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls and tips on how to avoid them:
Using the Wrong Verb Form
One of the most common mistakes is using the wrong verb form for the person you are addressing. Always ensure you are using the correct form for “tu,” “você,” “nós,” or “vocês.”
– Incorrect: “Falas devagar.” (Speak slowly.)
– Correct: “Fala devagar.” (Speak slowly.)
Forgetting to Drop the “s” in “Tu” Form
When forming the affirmative imperative for “tu,” remember to drop the final “s” from the present indicative form.
– Incorrect: “Falhas mais alto.” (Speak louder.)
– Correct: “Fala mais alto.” (Speak louder.)
Incorrect Negative Commands
Negative commands should always use the present subjunctive form, regardless of the person.
– Incorrect: “Não fala.” (Don’t speak.)
– Correct: “Não fales.” (Don’t speak.)
Practice Makes Perfect
The best way to master the imperative mood is through consistent practice. Here are some exercises to help you get started:
Exercise 1: Affirmative Commands
Convert the following sentences into affirmative commands:
1. (tu) Falar mais alto. (Speak louder.)
2. (você) Comer a salada. (Eat the salad.)
3. (nós) Abrir a janela. (Let’s open the window.)
4. (vocês) Estudar para a prova. (Study for the test.)
Answers:
1. Fala mais alto.
2. Coma a salada.
3. Abramos a janela.
4. Estudem para a prova.
Exercise 2: Negative Commands
Convert the following sentences into negative commands:
1. (tu) Não falar durante o filme. (Don’t speak during the movie.)
2. (você) Não comer doces antes do jantar. (Don’t eat sweets before dinner.)
3. (nós) Não abrir a porta. (Let’s not open the door.)
4. (vocês) Não esquecer o livro. (Don’t forget the book.)
Answers:
1. Não fales durante o filme.
2. Não coma doces antes do jantar.
3. Não abramos a porta.
4. Não esqueçam o livro.
Exercise 3: Irregular Verbs
Complete the sentences with the correct form of the imperative for the given irregular verbs:
1. (tu) Ser corajoso. (Be brave.)
2. (você) Ir ao médico. (Go to the doctor.)
3. (nós) Ter paciência. (Let’s have patience.)
4. (vocês) Estar prontos às oito. (Be ready at eight.)
Answers:
1. Sê corajoso.
2. Vá ao médico.
3. Tenhamos paciência.
4. Estejam prontos às oito.
Conclusion
Mastering the imperative mood in Portuguese is essential for effective communication, whether you are giving commands, making requests, offering invitations, or giving advice. By understanding the rules for forming both affirmative and negative commands, recognizing irregular verbs, and practicing regularly, you can enhance your fluency and confidence in using this crucial grammatical mood. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t hesitate to use the imperative mood in your daily conversations to become more comfortable and proficient.
