The imperative tense in French is used to give commands, make requests, offer advice, or give instructions. It’s a simple yet essential part of everyday conversation. In this post, we’ll explore how to form and use the imperative with regular and irregular verbs.
When to Use the Imperative:
The imperative is typically used in three situations:
- Giving direct commands: Écoute ! (Listen!)
- Offering advice: Prends un peu de repos. (Take some rest.)
- Making requests: Aide-moi, s’il te plaît. (Help me, please.)
How to Form the Imperative:
The imperative only exists in three forms:
- Tu (informal singular)
- Nous (let’s…)
- Vous (formal/plural)
The forms are derived from the present tense of verbs, but there are no subject pronouns in the imperative.
1. ER Verbs:
For tu, the -s is dropped.
Examples:
- Tu parles → Parle ! (Speak!)
- Nous parlons → Parlons ! (Let’s speak!)
- Vous parlez → Parlez ! (Speak!)
2. IR and RE Verbs:
For these verbs, the forms remain the same as in the present tense.
Examples:
- Tu finis → Finis ! (Finish!)
- Nous finissons → Finissons ! (Let’s finish!)
- Vous finissez → Finissez ! (Finish!)
- Tu attends → Attends ! (Wait!)
- Nous attendons → Attendons ! (Let’s wait!)
- Vous attendez → Attendez ! (Wait!)
Irregular Verbs in the Imperative:
Some verbs have irregular imperative forms:
- Être (to be):
- Sois ! (Be!)
- Soyons ! (Let’s be!)
- Soyez ! (Be!)
- Avoir (to have):
- Aie ! (Have!)
- Ayons ! (Let’s have!)
- Ayez ! (Have!)
- Savoir (to know):
- Sache ! (Know!)
- Sachons ! (Let’s know!)
- Sachez ! (Know!)
- Vouloir (to want) is rarely used, but in formal situations, you may see:
- Veuillez (Please…)
Reflexive Verbs in the Imperative:
For reflexive verbs, the pronoun comes after the verb, joined by a hyphen.
Examples:
- Se lever (to get up):
- Lève-toi ! (Get up!)
- Levons-nous ! (Let’s get up!)
- Levez-vous ! (Get up!)
The Negative Imperative:
To form a negative command, place “ne” before the verb and “pas” after it.
Examples:
- Ne parle pas ! (Don’t speak!)
- Ne nous levons pas ! (Let’s not get up!)
- Ne partez pas ! (Don’t leave!)
Practice Sentences:
- Mange ton repas. (Eat your meal.)
- Finissons ce projet ensemble. (Let’s finish this project together.)
- N’oubliez pas vos devoirs. (Don’t forget your homework.)
- Veillez entrer. (Please come in.)
The imperative is straightforward and highly useful in French conversations. By practicing the forms and usage, you’ll be able to give instructions, make polite requests, and offer advice with ease.
