How to use Imperative with direct and indirect object pronouns in Spanish
Learn how to use Imperative with direct and indirect object pronouns, and what to use it for in Spanish.
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Imperative with direct and indirect object pronouns
Reminder: The imperative is used to give orders, instructions, advice and direct requests.
Ven a la oficina. venir, imperativo presente
Come to the office.
No vengas a la oficina. venir, imperativo negativo
Don't come to the office.
When the imperative goes with direct or indirect object pronouns, they are placed as follows:
- Affirmative imperatives: the pronoun goes after the verb, forming a single word.
Trae tu plato a la mesa → Tráelo a la mesa.
Bring your plate to the table → Bring it to the table.
Presta 50 € a Nacho → Préstale 50 €.
Lend €50 to Nacho → Lend him €50.
- Negative imperatives: the pronoun goes before the verb.
No reserves la habitación → No la reserves.
Don't reserve the room → Don't reserve it.
No eches más azúcar a la sangría → No le eches más azúcar.
Don't put more sugar in the sangria → Don't put any more sugar in it.
- When we use both types of pronoun, the indirect object one goes first and then the direct object one.
Dame el bolso (CD) a mí (CI) → Dámelo.
Give the bag (DO) to me (IO) → Give me it.
No me des el bolso a mí → No me lo des.
Don't give the bag to me → Don't give me it.
Notes:
- The indirect object pronoun le changes to se when it goes before the direct object pronouns lo, la, los, las.
Compra un bañador (CD) al doctor Macías (CI) → Cómpraselo.
Buy a swimming costume (DO) for Dr Macías (IO) → Buy it for him.
No compres un bañador al doctor Macías → No se lo compres.
Don't buy a swimming costume for Dr Macías → Don't buy it for him.
- To keep the verb's stress pattern, sometimes we add an accent.
Prueba la sopa → Pruébala.
Try the soup → Try it.
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