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Learn how to form and use the formal affirmative imperative in Spanish for "usted" and "ustedes". This lesson explains the conjugation using the present subjunctive mood with example phrases like "Hable con los recursos humanos" and "Contraten personal para la vacante." Understand the polite commands essential for business and respectful communication.
  1. For usted, use the 3rd person singular of the subjunctive.
  2. For ustedes, use the 3rd person plural of the subjunctive.
PersonaFormaciónEjemplo
UstedHableHable con los recursos humanos.
UstedesHablenHable con la jefa antes de firmar el contrato.
UstedContrateContrate al candidato ideal.
Ustedes ContratenContraten personal para la vacante.
UstedPreséntesePreséntese en la entrevista a las 9.
Ustedes PreséntensePreséntense con traje.

Exercise 1: Imperativo afirmativo informal: "Usted" y "Ustedes"

Instruction: Fill in the correct word.

Show translation Show answers

Confirmen, Hable, Firme, Contraten, Preséntese, Pregunten, Firmen, Esperen

1. Esperar: ustedes:
... en recepción.
(Wait at reception.)
2. Firmar: usted:
... los documentos.
(Sign the documents.)
3. Contratar: ustedes:
... solo personal cualificado.
(Hire only qualified personnel.)
4. Confirmar: ustedes:
... su disponibilidad por correo.
(Confirm your availability by email.)
5. Preguntar: ustedes:
... todo lo necesario antes de firmar.
(Ask everything necessary before signing.)
6. Presentarse: usted:
... a la entrevista.
(Introduce yourself at the interview.)
7. Firmar: ustedes:
... después de revisar.
(Sign after reviewing.)
8. Hablar: usted:
... en la presentación.
(Speak in the presentation.)

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice

Instruction: Choose the correct option to complete the sentence with the formal affirmative imperative in "usted" or "ustedes", as appropriate. Pay attention to the correct conjugation of the present subjunctive to give formal orders or advice.

1.
If the order is for one person (usted), 'contrate' must be used, not 'contraten'.
'Contrata' is in indicative, not in formal imperative for 'usted'; the subjunctive must be used.
2.
'Habla' is informal imperative for 'tú', not for 'usted'.
'Hablé' is in past tense, it is not imperative.
3.
The reflexive pronoun 'se' is missing, which is necessary for the pronominal verb 'presentarse'.
This form is singular, incorrect if the order is for several.
4.
This form is for singular 'usted', not for plural 'ustedes'.
'Contratas' is present indicative for 'tú', not formal imperative for 'ustedes'.

Understanding the Formal Affirmative Imperative in Spanish: "Usted" and "Ustedes" Forms

This lesson focuses on the formal affirmative imperative mood in Spanish, specifically addressing the polite commands used with "usted" (singular formal you) and "ustedes" (plural formal you). It is targeted at A2 level learners who want to confidently give orders or advice in formal settings, such as business or professional environments.

Formation and Usage

The formal affirmative imperative for both "usted" and "ustedes" is formed using the present subjunctive form of the verb. For "usted," use the third person singular present subjunctive, and for "ustedes," use the third person plural present subjunctive.

Examples to Guide Your Learning

  • Hable (Speak - usted): Hable con los recursos humanos.
  • Hablen (Speak - ustedes): Hablen con la jefa antes de firmar el contrato.
  • Contrate (Hire - usted): Contrate al candidato ideal.
  • Contraten (Hire - ustedes): Contraten personal para la vacante.
  • Preséntese (Present yourself - usted): Preséntese en la entrevista a las 9.
  • Preséntense (Present yourselves - ustedes): Preséntense con traje.

Important Points

  • These formal commands are typically used to show respect or maintain professionalism.
  • Unlike informal commands that use "tú" forms, you use subjunctive forms here.
  • Reflexive verbs, like "presentarse," require the reflexive pronoun to match the subject: "se" for both singular and plural forms.

Differences Between Formal and Informal Commands

In English, commands generally do not change much depending on the formality—you might say "Speak!" or "Speak to the manager!" regardless of the person. However, in Spanish, the formal commands differ significantly from informal ones. While informal commands with "tú" often resemble the present indicative, formal commands for "usted" and "ustedes" require the present subjunctive. For example, "Habla" is the informal 'speak,' but for formal singular, you say "Hable." Similarly, "Hablen" is the plural formal form.

Useful formal phrases include "Por favor, hable con..." (Please speak with...), "Contrate al candidato" (Hire the candidate), and "Preséntese a la reunión" (Present yourself at the meeting). Understanding these forms allows you to navigate professional and respectful interactions effectively.

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