Subjunctive Vs Imperative

Question

Does anyone know a simple way to learn when to use the subjunctive and when to use the imperative?

Welcome to SpanishDict, John. - rac1, Aug 26, 2017

welcome to the forum, :) - 006595c6, Aug 26, 2017

Answer 1

The uses are very different.

You use the imperative when you want to tell someone to do something, like,

Speak Spanish. (affirmative command) Don't speak German. (negative command))

In Spanish the forms for the formal (usted/ustedes) command are taken from the forms of the subjunctive. When you study the subjunctive you will see this.

The command forms for "nosotros" are also taken from the subjunctive with a few irregularities. I have not gone into the forms or given examples, because others have spoken to this and given links.

When to use the subjunctive is another matter. I have written an article on it, but in this answer I just wanted to give the "simple answer" to when you use the imperative. I did this.

There is no "simple answer" as to when to use the subjunctive.

Here is an article on the subjunctive for beginners.

How to use the subjunctive

Answer 2

Open Spanishdict.com click on Menue, then select Learn Spanish, scroll down to spanishdict video course, then go to lesson 3.1.

That will explain when to use the subjunctive and when to use the imperative.

Yes, that will give you a starter's guide as to when to use the subjunctive but don't expect to become an expert overnight! ;) - FELIZ77, Aug 26, 2017

Read Daniela's post and also the post at the end of the link!.She is a native Spanish speaker and teacher - FELIZ77, Aug 26, 2017

of her own language! :) - FELIZ77, Aug 26, 2017

Answer 3

Hello!

I'm not sure if these two links are pertinent to this subject.

• Subjunctive vs. Indicative in Spanish
• Imperative + que + subjunctive vs. Imperitive + que + indicative

Hope this helps.

Regards!