Correct use of the imperative

Question

I'm not too sure how the imperative tense should be used when you are a stranger with a basic understanding of Spanish.

For example, if I wanted to ask somebody to speak Spanish with me, would it be rude if I said 'hable español conmigo'? (ie a direct command). I know that if I said 'habla español conmigo' that is the informal in the imperative, so again could be seen as rude if it is a stranger I am talking to.

I will be visiting sunny Spain very soon and I'm keen to practise what I've been trying to learn

Answer 1

you're visiting "sunny" Spain

Right, come to sunny Spain It is raining cats and dogs right now

Well, you will love Spain, my friend, it actually never rains in Madrid, so we are happy to see it rain, jeje

Anyway, you can easily go with:

Habla español conmigo, por favor, estoy practicando, gracias.

Or maybe:

Si no le importa, hable español conmigo, estoy practicando/aprendiendo. Muchas gracias

I would go with the second suggestion, it is very common to use the tu-form here, but it is also true that you are new to this country and maybe this might not sound that good.

thank you so much Heidita! I'm on holiday for 2 weeks near Torrevieja, it better NOT rain!!!!! ;-) - billygoat, May 7, 2011

Answer 2

Hello Billy. I think I remember Heidita saying that the "tu" form is more prevalent in Spain (anyway - you're visiting "sunny" Spain so I assume you're going on holiday i.e. no business formalities) This is always a tricky subject though and I have no personal experience so better to wait for another opinion.

Hope you enjoy yourself

thanks mate. - billygoat, May 7, 2011