Negative Tú Commands: no hables, no comas

Spanish: Imperativo negativo (tú): no hables, no comas

Level: A2 Elementary

Category: commands

Explanation

The negative imperative is used to tell someone (tú) NOT to do something. Unlike the affirmative imperative, the negative form does NOT use the normal present tense. Instead, we use the present subjunctive forms. To form the negative tú command, start with the first-person singular (yo) of the present tense, drop the final -o, and add the opposite endings: for -ar verbs add -es (no hables), and for -er/-ir verbs add -as (no comas, no escribas). This is why we say the vowels swap. Pronouns (reflexive, direct object, and indirect object) ALWAYS go BEFORE the verb in negative commands, written as separate words: no te levantes (do not get up), no lo comas (do not eat it), no me lo digas (do not tell me). This is the opposite of affirmative commands, where pronouns attach to the end of the verb. Negative commands are extremely common in daily life for giving instructions, warnings, and advice: No corras (Do not run), No toques eso (Do not touch that), No te preocupes (Do not worry). Mastering this form is essential for natural communication.

Examples

• No hables tan alto, por favor. - Do not speak so loudly, please.
• No comas el pan, está duro. - Do not eat the bread, it is stale.
• No pagues con tarjeta aquí, solo aceptamos efectivo. - Do not pay by card here, we only accept cash.
• No te preocupes, el desayuno está incluido. - Do not worry, breakfast is included.
• No olvides tu medicina, tómala dos veces al día. - Do not forget your medicine, take it twice a day.