TL;DR
Spanish commands practice helps you give instructions, advice, and requests correctly using tú, usted, and nosotros forms. In Spanish grammar, the key is choosing the right command type for the situation, then applying clear, consistent verb patterns that make commands predictable and easy to practice.
Spanish Grammar Practice Hub
If you’re working through multiple grammar topics, our main Spanish grammar practice hub organizes exercises by topic so you can practice efficiently and build accuracy step by step.
Explore the practice hub →What Are Spanish Commands?
Spanish commands (called mandatos) are verb forms used to tell someone what to do or not to do. They appear constantly in real Spanish—at home, at work, in travel, and in everyday conversation.
You use commands to:
- Give instructions
- Offer advice
- Make polite requests
- Suggest group actions
Key takeaway: Spanish commands are not optional grammar—they are essential for real communication.
What Is Spanish Commands Practice?
Spanish commands practice focuses on helping learners give clear instructions, requests, and suggestions in Spanish using forms like tú, usted, and nosotros. Instead of memorizing rules in isolation, effective practice shows how commands work in real situations—such as giving advice, making polite requests, or suggesting actions to a group.
There are three core command types learners must practice first:
- Tú commands (informal)
- Usted commands (formal)
- Nosotros commands (“let’s”)
Each follows its own logic, but all share common patterns that make practice efficient.
👇 Do more Spanish commands practice on Avatalks:
Form positive and negative commands for tú, usted, and ustedes.
When Should You Use Tú, Usted, or Nosotros?
The choice depends on relationship and context, not just grammar.
| Command Type | Who It’s For | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Tú | Friends, family, children | Informal instructions |
| Usted | Strangers, elders, professionals | Polite or formal requests |
| Nosotros | Yourself + others | Suggestions (“let’s…”) |
Summary: Spanish commands change form based on formality and social context, not tense.
What Are Tú Commands in Spanish?
Tú commands are used when speaking informally to one person.
How are affirmative tú commands formed?
They usually match the third-person singular (él/ella) present tense.
| Infinitive | Tú Command | English |
|---|---|---|
| hablar | habla | speak |
| comer | come | eat |
| vivir | vive | live |
Common irregular tú commands
| Verb | Command |
|---|---|
| decir | di |
| hacer | haz |
| ir | ve |
| poner | pon |
| salir | sal |
| ser | sé |
| tener | ten |
| venir | ven |
Practice tip: Memorizing these eight irregulars removes most tú-command errors.You’ll also see these verbs everywhere outside commands, so it helps to practice them in context, like in our Spanish ser vs estar practice guide.
How Do Negative Tú Commands Work?
Negative tú commands always use the present subjunctive.
Rule:
| Verb | Negative Command |
|---|---|
| hablar | no hables |
| comer | no comas |
| vivir | no vivas |
Key insight: All negative tú commands follow the same pattern—no exceptions.
What Are Usted Commands in Spanish?
Usted commands are used to show respect or formality.
They always use the present subjunctive,for both affirmative and negative forms.If the subjunctive still feels unfamiliar, practice it first in our guide to Spanish subjunctive trigger phrases and exercises.
| Infinitive | Affirmative | Negative |
|---|---|---|
| hablar | hable | no hable |
| comer | coma | no coma |
| vivir | viva | no viva |
Takeaway sentence: If you know the present subjunctive, you already know usted commands.
When Should You Use Usted Commands?
Use usted commands when:
- Speaking to strangers
- Addressing customers or clients
- Making polite requests
- Showing respect
Examples:
- Apague el teléfono, por favor.
- No pase por aquí.
What Are Nosotros Commands?
Nosotros commands mean “let’s do something.”
They also use the present subjunctive nosotros form.
| Infinitive | Nosotros Command | English |
|---|---|---|
| hablar | hablemos | let’s speak |
| comer | comamos | let’s eat |
| vivir | vivamos | let’s live |
Negative nosotros commands
Just add no:
- No hablemos de eso.
- No salgamos tarde.
KEY Explanation: Nosotros commands express shared intention, not direct orders.
How Do Pronouns Work with Spanish Commands?
Pronoun placement changes depending on affirmative vs negative commands.If you want a quick reference for all object pronouns, bookmark our Spanish pronoun chart with examples.
Affirmative commands
Pronouns attach to the verb.
- Dímelo.
- Cómpralo.
Negative commands
Pronouns go before the verb.
- No me lo digas.
- No lo compres.
Rule to remember: Attach in affirmative, separate in negative.
Spanish Commands Practice: Common Mistakes
Learners often struggle because they:
- Mix tú and usted forms
- Forget irregular tú commands
- Misplace pronouns
- Use present tense instead of commands
Avoiding these mistakes comes from structured practice, not memorization alone.
Spanish Commands Practice Examples (Real-Life)
| Situation | Spanish | English |
|---|---|---|
| Giving advice | Come más despacio. | Eat more slowly |
| Polite request | Espere un momento. | Please wait |
| Group plan | Vayamos al centro. | Let’s go downtown |
| Warning | No toques eso. | Don’t touch that |
Notice how often commands use purpose phrases (para + infinitive). If you mix them up, our Spanish por vs para practice guide will fix that fast.
Spanish Commands Practice Exercises (Preview)
Try answering mentally before checking:
- Convert hablar into a tú command
- Make no comer into a negative tú command
- Turn vivir into a formal usted command
- Create a nosotros command for salir
These patterns repeat across hundreds of verbs, which is why commands are ideal for focused practice.
Why Spanish Commands Practice Improves Fluency
Commands force you to:
- React quickly
- Choose formality correctly
- Apply verb patterns automatically
This makes them one of the fastest ways to improve spoken Spanish accuracy. When you’re ready to use commands in real dialogue, try these Spanish conversation practice tips and tools.
❓ FAQ: Spanish Commands Practice
What are Spanish commands?
Spanish commands are verb forms used to give instructions, advice, or requests, and they change depending on formality and who you are addressing.
How many types of Spanish commands should beginners practice?
Beginners should focus on three core types: tú, usted, and nosotros commands.
Are negative commands formed differently in Spanish?
Yes. Negative commands always use the present subjunctive and place pronouns before the verb.
Why are Spanish commands difficult for learners?
They combine verb conjugation, formality choices, and pronoun placement, which requires structured practice.
Is practicing commands important for speaking Spanish?
Yes. Commands are used frequently in daily conversation and help improve fluency and accuracy quickly.
Final Takeaway: How to Practice Spanish Commands Effectively
To master spanish commands practice:
- Learn patterns, not isolated verbs
- Separate tú, usted, and nosotros clearly
- Practice affirmative and negative forms together
- Use real-life examples, not single words