Grammar
Spanish commands: tú, usted and ustedes
Learn Spanish commands for tú, usted and ustedes with positive and negative examples.
Spanish commands change depending on whether you speak informally, formally or to a group.
Pattern and examples
Read the Spanish example first, then check the English meaning. The note explains what to notice.
| Pattern | Spanish example | English meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| tú affirmative | Habla despacio. | Speak slowly. | informal |
| tú negative | No hables tan rápido. | Do not speak so fast. | informal |
| usted affirmative | Hable despacio. | Speak slowly. | formal |
| usted negative | No hable tan rápido. | Do not speak so fast. | formal |
| ustedes | Hablen ahora. | Speak now. | group |
| reflexive | Siéntate. | Sit down. | pronoun attaches in affirmative |
How to study this grammar point
Spanish grammar becomes easier when you learn small sentence patterns. Repeat one example aloud, then change only the noun, verb or time expression.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using infinitive as a command in all casesReal commands often have special forms.
- Forgetting accents with attached pronouns“Siéntate” needs an accent mark.
Make your own examples
Say three sentences aloud using one Spanish expression from this page. Then replace one word to make the sentence personal.
- Read the Spanish example slowly.
- Repeat it without looking at the English meaning.
- Change the person, time or place.
FAQ
What should I practice first?
Start by copying the examples aloud, then change one word at a time to make your own sentences.
Do I need perfect grammar to communicate?
No. Clear communication comes first, but these patterns help you sound more natural and avoid confusing mistakes.