Knowing how to give instructions, make requests, or offer suggestions is a vital part of communication. In French, this is done using the imperative mood (l'impératif). You'll use it to tell someone "Écoute !" (Listen!), ask a group to "Parlez lentement." (Speak slowly.), or suggest "Allons-y !" (Let's go!). The imperative is formed for only three subject pronouns: tu (you - informal singular), nous (we/us - for "let's..."), and vous (you - formal singular or plural). This guide will walk you through forming and using these simple commands, a key skill covered in our structured French curriculum and essential for anyone wanting to interact effectively in French.

Forming the Imperative: Simple and Direct

The great news is that French imperative forms are generally derived from the present indicative tense, and you do not use subject pronouns (like je, tu, il) with them.

1. The Tu (You - Informal Singular) Form

This form is used when addressing one person you know well (a friend, family member, child).

• For regular -ER verbs: Take the present tense tu form and drop the final -s.
  • Tu parles (You speak) → Parle ! (Speak!)
  • Tu écoutes (You listen) → Écoute ! (Listen!)
  • Tu manges (You eat) → Mange ! (Eat!)
• For -IR, -RE verbs, and most irregular verbs: The imperative tu form is usually the same as the present tense tu form (including the -s).
  • Tu finis (You finish) → Finis ! (Finish!)
  • Tu prends (You take) → Prends ! (Take!)
  • Tu lis (You read) → Lis ! (Read!)
• Important exception with aller (to go): Tu vas (You go) → Va ! (Go!) (However, it becomes Vas-y ! when followed by 'y'.)

2. The Nous (We/Us - "Let's...") Form

This form is used to make suggestions or give commands to a group including yourself (equivalent to "Let's..." in English).

• The nous imperative form is identical to the present tense nous form.
  • Nous parlons (We speak) → Parlons ! (Let's speak!)
  • Nous allons (We go) → Allons ! (Let's go!) → (Very common: Allons-y ! - Let's go (there)!)
  • Nous mangeons (We eat) → Mangeons ! (Let's eat!)

3. The Vous (You - Formal Singular or Plural) Form

This form is used when addressing one person formally, or two or more people.

• The vous imperative form is identical to the present tense vous form.
  • Vous parlez (You speak) → Parlez ! (Speak!) (e.g., Parlez lentement. - Speak slowly.)
  • Vous écoutez (You listen) → Écoutez ! (Listen!)
  • Vous finissez (You finish) → Finissez ! (Finish!)

Key Irregular Imperatives

Some very common verbs have irregular imperative forms that you'll need to memorize:

• Sois sage ! (Be good! - to a child)
• N'ayez pas peur ! (Don't be afraid! - formal/plural - *Note: 'ne...pas' for negative commands, explained below*)
• Sachez que c'est important. (Know that it's important. - formal/plural)

Imperative with Reflexive Verbs

For reflexive verbs (actions done to oneself), the reflexive pronoun is attached to the end of the verb with a hyphen in affirmative commands. The pronoun te changes to toi.

• Affirmative:
  • Lève-toi ! (Get up! - tu form of se lever)
  • Amusons-nous ! (Let's have fun! - nous form of s'amuser)
  • Préparez-vous ! (Get ready! - vous form of se préparer)

For negative commands with reflexive verbs, the structure is ne + reflexive pronoun + verb + pas (the pronoun stays before the verb).

• Negative:
  • Ne te lève pas tard ! (Don't get up late!)
  • Ne nous inquiétons pas ! (Let's not worry!)

Understanding reflexive commands is vital for daily interactions, a skill developed in our speaking-focused French lessons online.

Key Takeaways & Tips for French Imperatives

• The imperative is used for commands, requests, and suggestions.
• It only exists for tu, nous, and vous forms. No subject pronoun is used.
• For -ER verbs, the tu form drops the final -s from the present tense.
• Nous and Vous imperative forms are typically the same as their present tense forms.
• Memorize the irregular forms for être, avoir, savoir, and aller.
• For affirmative reflexive commands, attach the pronoun with a hyphen (Lève-toi !).
• For negative commands, use ne ... pas around the verb (and pronoun for reflexives): Ne parle pas !, Ne te lève pas !
• Practice these commands in everyday situations! Our Online French Course provides extensive practice.
• For focused learning, especially if you're in Chennai, explore our French online classes in Chennai.

Conclusion: Using Commands Confidently

The French imperative is a direct and essential tool for everyday interaction. By mastering its formation for regular, irregular, and reflexive verbs, you'll be able to give instructions, make suggestions, and navigate social situations with greater confidence. Remember the key rules, practice consistently, and you'll soon be commanding the French language with ease!

Discover why Sprachlingua is your ideal partner for mastering French online, with expert instructors to guide your learning.

Bon courage et pratiquez bien vos impératifs ! (Good luck and practice your imperatives well!)