The negative imperative in Italian

Learn how to use The negative imperative with examples.
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The negative imperative

Reminder: we typically use the structure (subject) non + verb to form the negative. 

Anna non mangia carne. mangiare, presente

Anna does not eat meat.

The negative imperative is formed as follows:

Imperativo affermativo
(tu) mangia
(lei) mangi
(noi) mangiamo
(voi) mangiate
(loro) mangino
Imperativo negativo
(tu) non mangiare
(lei) non mangi
(noi) non mangiamo
(voi) non mangiate
(loro) non mangino
  • For the tu (singular “you”) form we use the structure non + infinitive.

Non mangiare le torte di Carlotta! mangiare, imperativo negativo

Don't eat Carlotta's cakes!

Non prendere l’ascensore con i gatti! prendere, imperativo negativo

Don't take the elevator with the cats!

  • For the lui/lei (he/she/formal “you”), noi (we), voi (plural “you”) and loro (they) forms we use the non + imperative structure.

Non andiamo a cena al Baldoria. andare, imperativo negativo

Let's not go to dinner at the Baldoria.

Non chiamate il dottor Mancini. chiamare, imperativo negativo

Don't call Dr. Mancini.

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