5Module 6
The Imperative Mood
O Modo Imperativo
Key Concept
European Portuguese uses four imperative forms: tu (informal), você (formal singular), nós (let's…), and vocês (formal plural). The tu form comes from the present indicative (drop the -s). The você/vocês/nós forms use the present subjunctive. In negative commands, ALL forms use the subjunctive.
Key Phrase — Try saying it!
Fala mais devagar, por favor!
1-AR verbs
Endings: Tu: -a, Você: -e, Nós: -emos, Vocês: -em
falar (to speak)
trabalhar (to work)
fechar (to close)
2-ER verbs
Endings: Tu: -e, Você: -a, Nós: -amos, Vocês: -am
comer (to eat)
beber (to drink)
escrever (to write)
3-IR verbs
Endings: Tu: -e, Você: -a, Nós: -amos, Vocês: -am
partir (to leave)
abrir (to open)
decidir (to decide)
!Imperativo Negativo
In negative commands, ALL pronouns use the present subjunctive forms. For tu, this means adding -s to the você form.
Don't speak so loudly!
Don't talk to strangers.
Don't eat before dinner.
Don't open the door!
Don't drink that!
Don't write anything yet.
Let's not leave without her.
Don't close the window.
*Irregular Imperatives
These common verbs have irregular imperative forms that must be memorized.
ser — to be (permanent)
estar — to be (temporary)
ir — to go
ter — to have
fazer — to do/make
dizer — to say/tell
dar — to give
vir — to come
saber — to know
pôr — to put
Common Usage Contexts
Directions & Navigation
Turn right at the next street.
Go straight ahead to the traffic light.
Cross the bridge and turn left.
Take the bus number 28.
Go up the stairs and turn right.
Recipes & Instructions
Mix the ingredients in a bowl.
Cut the onion into small pieces.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Cook the pasta for ten minutes.
Stir well until smooth.
Advice & Encouragement
Rest a bit, you're tired.
Drink lots of water every day.
Study more, the exam is tomorrow!
Stay calm, everything will be fine.
Don't give up, you're almost there!
Polite Requests & Daily Life
Please come in.
Tell me, please, where the museum is.
Pass me the salt, please.
Please sit down.
Wait a moment, please.