Self imperative form

Question

Unfortunately, no imperative for the 1st singular form (me) is provided in Spanish dictionaries.

Can't we order to ourselves something?

What would be the closest way to order myself something, like "be calm", or "do it already", etc?

Answer 1

Unfortunately, no imperative for the 1st singular form (me) is provided in Spanish dictionaries.

Nor would you find it in any discussion of English grammar. It's remotely possible in a full-blown soliloquy (or if one is seriously schizophrenic) but is hardly usual. I suppose I could say to myself, "Get a grip, Samdie." (if only for practice, I'd probably say it in Japanese) but, in any case one is then addressing oneself as though speaking to another person and the grammar would be the usual forms of direct address (2nd person).

Not necessarily 2nd, can be 3rd! :) - vanyatka, Dec 21, 2011

I mean Usted form ) - vanyatka, Dec 21, 2011

semantically, "usted" is 2nd person though it is used with 3rd person verb endings. - samdie, Dec 22, 2011

Answer 2

Well, just as in English, when you are ordering yourself to do something, you speak as if you are ordering someone else, right? "Myself" becomes some sort of second party. Same thing in Spanish. Just order in the second person form.

Be calm = Tranquilo/a

Do it already = ¡Ya hazlo!

Thanks! But that gives impression like there is someone else. Besides, what if I need to add a pronoun? Like, Tranqulate! (te sounds a bit awkward here). - vanyatka, Dec 21, 2011

From what i know, the "te" is not added. Just as in English, we say "Easy" instead of "Be easy" when calming a dog... "Tranqulate" doesn't exist though, maybe "Tranquilizate" - lydianish1, Dec 21, 2011

But if you want to feel like it's not someone else, just put your name! eg: Tranquilo, vany, tranquilo... - lydianish1, Dec 21, 2011

Answer 3

I would say:

"Cálmate!" or "Tranquilízate" and "Hazlo ya!".

This reminds me of a soliloquy of Homer Simpson on The Simpsons: the Movie, when Homer is trying to return to Springfield on foot from Alaska in mid-winter. He begins to say to himself:

--I can't do it.

--Yes, you can!

--No, I can´t!

--Yes! You can!

--No, I can´t.

--Shut up!

--No, you shut up!