Mastering Informal Commands: How to Pedir Like a Native Speaker

Introduction:

When learning a new language, one of the most important things to master is how to give commands. In Spanish, the ability to give informal commands is essential, particularly when it comes to everyday communication in more relaxed settings. Native speakers use informal commands as a standard part of their speech, making it crucial for learners of the language to understand how to use them properly. In this article, we will explore how to master informal commands in Spanish and sound like a native speaker when giving commands.

The Difference Between Formal and Informal Commands:

Before diving into informal commands, it is important to understand the difference between formal and informal commands. Formal commands are used in formal settings or when addressing someone in a respectful manner. Informal commands, on the other hand, are commonly used among people who share a certain level of familiarity or when addressing close friends and family members.

The Structure of Informal Commands:

Informal commands are formed by taking the third person singular present tense form of the verb and dropping the ‘s’. For example, the formal command ‘come’ becomes ‘ven’ in its informal form. It is important to note that some verbs have irregular commands, and they need to be learned separately.

Use of Affirmative and Negative Informal Commands:

In Spanish, informal commands can be affirmative or negative. Affirmative commands are used to give instructions, while negative commands are used to give prohibitions. For example, the affirmative command ‘eat’ would be ‘come’, while the negative command ‘don’t eat’ would be ‘no comas’.

Examples of Informal Commands in Context:

To illustrate how informal commands are used in conversation, consider the following examples:

Example 1:

Paco: ¿Vienes al cine conmigo?
Ana: Sí, es ven a recogerme a las siete.

Translation:

Paco: Are you coming to the movies with me?
Ana: Yes, come pick me up at seven.

In this example, Ana uses the informal command ‘come’ to tell Paco to pick her up.

Example 2:

Marta: No bebas tanto, Pedro. Te sentirás mal después.
Pedro: Tranquila, mamá. No te preocupes por mí.

Translation:

Marta: Don’t drink so much, Pedro. You’ll feel sick afterwards.
Pedro: Relax, mom. Don’t worry about me.

In this example, Marta uses a negative informal command, ‘don’t drink’, to tell Pedro not to drink so much.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, mastering informal commands in Spanish is crucial for anyone looking to communicate naturally and effectively with native speakers. Informal commands have a particular structure that needs to be learned, and it is essential to understand the difference between affirmative and negative commands. By using relevant examples and case studies, this article has presented a useful guide to mastering informal commands in Spanish. With practice, anyone can become proficient in using informal commands like a native speaker.