The Imperative in French

When you need to give instructions, commands, or advice, you'll use the imperative (l'impératif). The imperative exists in three forms: for "tu", "nous", and "vous". There are no subject pronouns used in the imperative form.

Forming the Imperative with Regular Verbs

For most verbs, use the present tense form for "tu", "nous", or "vous", but drop the pronoun. For -er verbs, in the "tu" form, leave out the final "s".

• Parle! (talk / speak)
• Écoutez! (listen)
• Regardons! (let's watch)
• Choisis! (choose)
• Répondez! (answer)
• Vendez! (sell)
• Prends! (take)
• Allons! (let's go)

Imperative: Regular Verb Examples

Forming the Imperative with Irregular Verbs

Irregular verbs have special imperative forms that you must memorize.

Using Object Pronouns in the Imperative

When using object pronouns (like me, te, nous, or vous), their position depends on whether the sentence is affirmative or negative.

• In affirmative commands, place the pronoun after the verb, joined with a hyphen:

  • Donne-moi le livre !
  • Écoutez-nous !
  • Regarde-la !
  • Parlez-vous !

• In negative commands, the pronoun comes before the verb:

  • Ne me donne pas le livre !
  • Ne nous écoutez pas !
  • Ne la regarde pas !
  • Ne vous parlez pas !

For "te" in the affirmative, use "toi": * Assieds-toi ! * Lève-toi !

Examples:

• Parlez-moi !
• Donne-nous la réponse !
• Écoute-le !
• Vendez-les !