B1 Spanish GrammarAdvanced Imperative Structures
Master advanced Spanish command structures: indirect commands with que, impersonal imperatives, softened commands, and imperative in complex sentences. Express requests with nuance and politeness.
1Indirect Commands with Que
Indirect commands use 'que + subjunctive' for third person ('let him/her/them'). The speaker transmits a wish or order to someone not directly addressed. Also used for wishes and mild orders.
Que + Subjunctive Commands
| Structure | Example | English |
|---|---|---|
| que + 3rd sing subj | Que entre | Let him/her enter |
| que + 3rd plur subj | Que esperen | Let them wait |
| que + noun + subj | Que lo haga Juan | Let Juan do it |
| wish/blessing | Que te vaya bien | May it go well for you |
Examples
¿Juan? Que pase.
Juan? Let him come in.
indirect command
Que lo hagan ellos si quieren.
Let them do it if they want.
permission/dismissal
Que descanses bien.
Rest well. / May you rest well.
wish/farewell
Que tengas un buen día.
Have a good day.
wish formula
2Softened Commands
Commands can be softened using conditional, imperfect subjunctive, or periphrases. These are more polite than direct imperatives. Common in formal settings and customer service.
Polite Command Forms
| Form | Example | Politeness Level |
|---|---|---|
| conditional | ¿Podría ayudarme? | polite |
| impf subjunctive | Quisiera un café | very polite |
| ¿Le importaría + inf? | ¿Le importaría esperar? | formal polite |
| sería tan amable de | ¿Sería tan amable de...? | very formal |
Examples
¿Podrías cerrar la ventana?
Could you close the window?
conditional - polite
Quisiera hablar con el encargado.
I would like to speak with the manager.
imperfect subjunctive - formal
¿Te importaría bajar el volumen?
Would you mind turning down the volume?
importar + infinitive
¿Sería tan amable de repetir eso?
Would you be so kind as to repeat that?
very formal/service
3Imperative with Pronouns
Multiple pronouns attach in fixed order: reflexive + indirect + direct. Written accents preserve original stress. Nosotros commands drop -s before nos. Vosotros commands drop -d before os (except idos).
Pronoun Combinations
| Base Command | + Pronouns | Result |
|---|---|---|
| da | me + lo | dámelo |
| di | se + lo | díselo |
| sentemos | + nos | sentémonos |
| sentad | + os | sentaos |
| id | + os | idos (exception) |
Examples
Dámelo ahora.
Give it to me now.
da + me + lo = dámelo
Explícaselo bien.
Explain it to him/her well.
explica + se + lo
Sentémonos a hablar.
Let's sit down to talk.
sentemos + nos (drops -s)
Callaos un momento.
Be quiet for a moment.
callad + os (drops -d)
4Impersonal and Passive Imperatives
Signs and instructions often use impersonal forms: infinitive (Empujar), se + verb (Se ruega silencio), or passive (Prohibido fumar). These avoid addressing anyone directly.
Impersonal Commands
| Form | Example | Context |
|---|---|---|
| infinitive | No fumar | signs |
| infinitive | Girar a la derecha | directions |
| se ruega + noun/inf | Se ruega silencio | formal notices |
| prohibido + inf | Prohibido aparcar | prohibition signs |
| favor de + inf | Favor de no molestar | hotel/service |
Examples
No pisar el césped.
Do not walk on the grass.
infinitive - sign
Se ruega puntualidad.
Punctuality is requested.
formal/impersonal
Prohibido el paso.
No entry.
prohibition sign
Agitar antes de usar.
Shake before using.
product instructions