Spanish Conversation · Level 143
45 words
Spanish word
imperativo
Pronunciation
IPA/impeɾaˈtiβo/
Meaning
- masculine nounimperative mood
Example
El imperativo se usa para dar órdenes.
The imperative mood is used to give orders.
More examples
En los manuales, el imperativo marca acciones obligatorias.
In manuals, the imperative signals compulsory actions.
Core concept
Verb mood used to give direct orders, commands, or instructions.
Common phrases
modo imperativo
imperative mood
uso del imperativo
use of the imperative
verbo en imperativo
verb in the imperative mood
Similar words
orden: Short authoritative instruction given to be followed.
petición: Polite request asking someone to do or provide something.
sugerencia: Gentle recommendation that suggests an action without pressure.
Definition in Spanish
Modo gramatical que sirve para expresar órdenes, mandatos o instrucciones directas a otra persona y para indicar obligaciones en ciertos contextos.
Word origin
The term comes from Latin imperativus, from imperare 'to order', and entered Spanish via Vulgar Latin as the name for the verb mood that issues commands and indicates obligations.
Usage tips
- Affirmative commands attach object pronouns to the end of the verb with stress changes (dímelo), while negative commands place pronouns before the verb (no me lo digas).
Other meanings
- imperativenoun
- moral imperativenoun
Opposites
- sugerenciasuggestionnoun
- peticiónrequestnoun
Related words
- imperativamenteimperativelyadverb