French grammar: impératif

What this grammar point covers

The 'impératif' in French is a verb form used to give orders, advice, instructions, or requests. It is often called the 'imperative' in English.

When to use it

Use the imperative in French to tell someone what to do, give directions, make suggestions, or give advice. It is also used for invitations.

Key forms

• Use only three forms: tu (you, singular), nous (we), and vous (you, plural or formal).
• No subject pronoun is used: just the verb.
• Example: Parle ! (Speak!), Finissons ! (Let's finish!), Attendez ! (Wait!)

Examples

Tips

• For -er verbs, drop the 's' in the 'tu' form (e.g., Parle ! not Parles !), except when followed by 'y' or 'en'.
• The imperative does not use subject pronouns (never write 'tu', 'nous', or 'vous' before the verb).
• For negative commands, place 'ne' before the verb and 'pas' after it (e.g., Ne mange pas !).

Exceptions and edge cases

• Some verbs are irregular in the imperative, like être (Sois ! Soyons ! Soyez !), avoir (Aie ! Ayons ! Ayez !), and savoir (Sache ! Sachons ! Sachez !).
• For reflexive verbs, the pronoun comes after the verb and is linked with a hyphen (e.g., Lève-toi !).