Indicating politeness with the imperative

Question

In Spanish, how rude is the imperative? I know there are other ways to express the same idea of the imperative that are more polite (I think an example is the imperfect subjunctive). In English, depending on the situation and tone, the plain imperative is rude. E.g. in a restaurant, if you said "Give me this, and this, and then get me another drink, and then bring us the check" or something, it could be taken as somewhat rude, especially depending on the inflection. So, in Spanish, is the imperative a rude way to speak to someone, or is it less "harsh"?

I'm sorry if this makes no sense, please let me know if you cannot understand what I am asking.

¡Muchas gracias!

Answer 1

Same as in English amigo

Give me this, please.

Dame esto, por favor

Exactly! - --Mariana--, Sep 18, 2012

Answer 2

Well, I like Mariana's suggestions. But they change the mode from imperative to the indicative mode, which drifts from Maxwell's question.

The imperative mode is used to express orders or desires (Do something! vs. Let us do something!). So, like Ian says, adding Por favor at the beginning or the end of the command softens the rudeness, but still makes your point across and does not lessen the authority you want to convey.

You're absolutely right...I lost sight of his question about commands! - --Mariana--, Sep 18, 2012

Answer 3

So, in Spanish, is the imperative a rude way to speak to someone, or is it less "harsh"?

I understand exactly what you're saying.

As Ian says, adding a "por favor" goes a long way in any language.

However, as for "give me" or "I want" you should use the polite "quisiera." Example, "Quisiera un café, por favor" (I would like a coffee please).

Also, using the "usted" form shows respect to waiters, clerks, and service people in general. "¿Deme un helado, por fovor?" (Give me an ice cream, please?).

Finally, you can use "gustaría," e.g., "Me gustaría un helado, por favor" (I would like an ice cream, please).