Imperative in Italian
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The modo imperativo (imperative mood) is one of the finite moods of the Italian grammar.
The imperativo is used with verbs expressing commands, orders, indications, advice and when a person tells another one what to do.
In its negative form the imperativo refers to a prohibition, thus meaning that something is forbidden.
Examples:
This mood can only be found in main clauses.
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It is the only mood which possesses only one tense: the present.
The imperative can only be found in the 2nd person singular (tu) and 2nd person plural (voi).
For all the other persons it is necessary to use the present tense of the subjunctive mood.
The first person singular (io) of this tense does not exist!
Regular verbs are conjugated as follows:
Example parlare (to speak)
Root | Ending | Example | Translation | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Io | / | / | / | / |
Tu | parl | a | Parla con loro | Talk to them |
Egli/Ella | parl | i | Parli con loro | Talk to them |
Noi | parl | iamo | Parliamo con loro | Let's talk to them |
Voi | parl | ate | Parlate con loro | Talk to them |
Essi/Esse | parl | ino | Parlino con loro | Talk to them |
Example credere (to believe)
Root | Ending | Example | Translation | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Io | / | / | / | / |
Tu | cred | i | Credici | Believe in it |
Egli/Ella | cred | a | Ci creda | Believe in it |
Noi | cred | iamo | Crediamoci | Let's believe in it |
Voi | cred | ete | Credeteci | Believe in it |
Essi/Esse | cred | ano | Ci credano | Believe in it |
Example dormire (to sleep)
Root | Ending | Example | Translation | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Io | / | / | / | / |
Tu | dorm | i | Adesso dormi | Sleep now |
Egli/Ella | dorm | a | Dorma adesso | Sleep now |
Noi | dorm | iamo | Adesso dormiamo | Let's sleep now |
Voi | dorm | ite | Adesso dormite | Sleep now |
Essi/Esse | dorm | ano | Dormano adesso | Sleep now |
Irregular verbs have to be studied by heart because they do not follow any grammatical rules.
Here you can find a table with the conjugation of the main irregular verbs in the imperativo:
Sapere (to know) | Andare (to go) | Dire (to say) | Fare (to do/make) | Dare (to give) | Stare (to stay) | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Io | / | / | / | / | / | / |
Tu | sappi | va' (vai)* | di' | fa' (fai)* | da' (dai)* | sta' (stai)* |
Egli/Ella | sappia | vada | dica | faccia | dia | stia |
Noi | sappiamo | andiamo | diciamo | facciamo | diamo | stiamo |
Voi | sappiate | andate | dite | fate | date | state |
Essi/Esse | sappiano | vadano | dicano | facciano | diano | stiano |
*The verbs stare, fare, andare and dare have two possible forms in the second person singular. Both these forms are correct.
Example: Vai a casa! (Go home)
Va' a casa! (Go home)
The auxiliary verbs essere and avere form the imperativo in an irregular way. Therefore, their conjugation has to be studied by heart.
Essere (to be) | Avere (to have) | |
---|---|---|
Io | / | / |
Tu | sii | abbi |
Egli/Ella | sia | abbia |
Noi | siamo | abbiamo |
Voi | siate | abbiate |
Essi/Esse | siano | abbiano |
The negative form of the imperative (imperativo negativo italiano) is formed quite easily:
1) For the second person singular (tu) it is necessary to add the negation non before the verb in the infinitive.
2) For all the other persons, it is necessary to add the negation non to the verb in the imperative or in the subjunctive.
In order to express a command or a request in a more polite way, it is possible to use certain sayings and expressions. These expressions are:
Expression | Translation |
---|---|
Per favore/per piacere | Please |
Se non ti/le/vi dispiace | If you don't mind |
Ti/la/vi prego... | I beg/ask you to... |
These expressions can be found either before or after the verb:
Example: Apri la porta, per favore (Open the door, please)
Ti dispiace aprire* la porta? (Do you mind opening the door?)
*Remember that when the polite expression comes before the verb, the verb is used in the infinitive form.
The position of the pronouns depends on a series of characteristics of the imperative verb:
Examples | Translation | |
---|---|---|
Informal affirmative imperative |
|
|
Informal negative imperative |
|
|
Formal affirmative imperative |
|
|
Formal negative imperative |
|
|
*Keep in mind that in this case the second person singular loses the final e of the infinitive form.
Example: Non mangiare (Don't eat)
Non mangiarlo (Don't eat it)
Now don't forget to check out our exercises on the Italian imperative tense to practise your knowledge!
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Hello everyone!
My name is Ermanno, I am 37 years old, and I am a Italian native speaker.
I got a Master Degree in 2010. Since then I have worked with languages, as a student support, tour guide and event coordinator between Spain and Ireland.
Also, I have been teaching Italian and Spanish giving private classes to students and refugees for over ten years.
I speak English (level c1) and Spanish (level c2) well enough to explain something to you in one of those languages just in case you need.
We can have amazing Italian or Spanish Classes if you are starting to get into a new language or if you just need some conversation classes to broaden or refine your vocabulary.
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Are you ready for that?
-What I offer-
I have been teaching Italian and Spanish for more than 10 years so far, and I have always used no traditional teaching method.
What we need is to enjoy the class, to express ourself and our creativity.
That's the best way to learn and to keep learning.
Furthermore, I will guide you in all the learning process steps and you will learn the grammar in a funny way. ;)
In the conversation class we spend the full hour talking in Italian/spanish about topics of your interest (sports, arts, traveling, culture, food, relations..);and I will make you speak as much as you can.
WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT YOU SPEAK AS MUCH YOU CAN?
Because our brain need some time to make us fluent and being confident speaking in another language.
Do not be afraid to make mistakes.
It is the essential and funniest part of the learning process.
What are you waiting for?
Ci vediamo presto L'Italiano ti aspetta!
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Perfect the class with Ermanno. Punctual, professional, educational and very friendly. He prepared the class in advance and adjusted to what I asked. Also send me a pdf with the class information so you can review it at home !! We were able to take full advantage of it. As soon as I have a little more time I will sign up for more classes with Ermanno without hesitation. Recommended 100%
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My degree is in English Studies. I possess a CELTA certificate as well and I have also worked for 7 years in both Morocco and China.
I like basketball and going to the gym.
I believe the most effective way to feel comfortable and confident with learning English is to enjoy having conversations with a teacher who guides students in lessons that are fun and interesting, with plenty of congratulations and corrections where necessary!
I am friendly, motivated, funny, and more importantly patient.
And I love to teach children and adults.
I hope and look forward to seeing you, in one of my classes soon.
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Jalal is a teacher with experience in several countries with lots of passion about teaching English.
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Hello, my name is Francesca.
I am qualified Italian teacher.
I love teaching and my lessons are always tailored on your goals. During the first lesson, we will identify what you want to learn or to improve and I will design your lessons.
My approach is largely conversational: that is role-plays, informal conversation or other activites to help you. I welcome beginners right up to proficient speakers.
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Like the times before, it was perfect and a lot of fun. I am interested in the subject and I like to tell a lot and show Italian videos that are new to Francesca :-)
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Hello, everybody ! My name is Elena. I’m a native Italian speaker, I’m 49 years old and live in Turin. I am a certified CEDILS teacher, I graduated in Foreign Languages and Literature in Milan and have been working as a teacher of Italian for more than 10 years. I speak English and German. I attended specialization courses for Italian L2 teachers and I am interviewer for C1 PLIDA exam.
Are you seeking a friendly and dynamic study environment ? I got what you need. I am looking forward to being in touch with new students and organize pleasant, interesting and fruitful courses.
Do you wish to learn or improve your Italian to speak with your parents or friends? Do you need Italian for work or study ? Do you simply love Italian language and culture ? Do you need to improve your writing skills ?
My classes are tailored on your needs and considering your level of knowledge, I create a proper course plan. Classes focus on language and on the possibility for you to improve your ability to speak and understand Italian in your daily life or in work.
I offer 1-to-1 or 2-to-1 tuition, general Italian courses (grammar, conversation, listening, reading and writing), preparation to Italian examinations (all levels, also Italian for residence permit) and Italian and culture courses.
Grammar, vocabulary exercises, reading articles and magazines and talking together are all tools to feel at ease with the Italian language and then be able to practice it.
I have worked with children, adolescents and adults for all levels of Italian, from beginner to advanced. I have experience in preparing students to international certification (CILS, PLIDA). I was an A2/B1 Telc examiner.
Learning Italian can be closely related to culture, literature, music, sport and any other interest of my students.
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Elena is an incredible teacher. She has great methodology and knowledge to assist the student in his needs. She helps you to see your potential and gives feedback helping you to improve your knowledge of the language. Thanks Elena for you support in this process.
Elena F.Thanks so much ! It is a pleasure to work with you, you are a very good and very very nice student.
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Hi everyone!
My name is Daniela, I am Italian and I come from a small town in Sicily, Southern Italy. I am a qualified Italian language teacher and a CELI examiner! I work in two language schools teaching Italian and I also teach English at school.
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See you online!
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Fabulous teacher. Very clear, very encouraging and very helpful. Also very flexible and accommodating. Cannot recommend Daniela highly enough.
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Why should you choose me? Take a look at what people say who have taken online classes with me.
Book lessons with me and
- prepare Dutch exams "Basisinburgering A1" and "Inburgeringsexamen A2". Your full commitment and my energetic, professional approach are the winning combination to help you succeed at once!
- learn Dutch because you live in the Netherlands (or are planning to move there) and still don’t speak the language properly or haven’t started yet. You’ll enjoy your environment more!
- learn Italian for work or because you will move to this beautiful country or simply because you just love it. Let me help you experience the language!
- study Spanish for pleasure, work or because you have to prepare an exam for school and you need to get confident to perform optimally
- get confident in useful daily conversations, meetings at work, exams, and presentations
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My lessons are based on conversations. My method is to help you practice the language from the very beginning in spontaneous and direct conversations, using often role plays.
With books, articles, songs, and other interesting and stimulating material I will encourage conversation, develop grammar in a simpler way, and improve pronunciation.
Learning a foreign language is not a matter of doing much effort, but rather of being consistent, enjoying the lessons and allowing your intuition to work with you. You will book immediate results while having fun!
I've been teaching Dutch, Spanish and Italian for many years, in The Netherlands, for private institutes, for the integration of foreigners into society (Inburgering), and online from Italy, where I currently live.
Contact me for a free trial and let me know how I can help you.
CANCELATION POLICY
If you cancel a reservation please do it at least 24 hours before the session
(otherwise I would have to charge you for the lesson).
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Elena is a well skilled teacher with patience and a great personality. She understands our needs well and the lessons are tailored to give us a good learning experience. The lessons are always a good combination of speaking, reading and grammar. Elena is very punctual and flexible when we need to change our schedule. We can highly recommend choosing Elena as your teacher.
Elena P.Thank you for the feedback, Wouter and Eliane! I'm happy to know that you are satisfied with the lessons. I really enjoy working with you and I love to witness your progress, class after class.
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Hi there! My name is Era Jane Castillo. You can call me Teacher Jane. I live in the Philippines. I graduated from Holy Cross College of Calinan, Inc. with the degree of Bachelor of Elementary Education Generalist. I am also a Licensed Professional Teacher. I have acquired a TEFL certificate.
I have been a teacher for 4 years in a school-based. I am teaching both kids and adults. I am friendly and outgoing person. Let me be your English and Filipino Instructor here at colanguage. I know that learning a new language is not easy. It could be full of struggles. You will need a lot of practice too.
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Era Jane has a very friendly personality and is a great and very experienced Tagalog teacher. She prepares the lessons very carefully, focusing on all relevant aspects such as conversation, grammar, and vocabulary. I am very much looking forward to continuing the lessons with her and to become more proficient in the language.
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Buongiorno gente!
Are you ready to learn italian with me?
My name is Mojra and I'm a qualified mother tongue tutor. Whether you need to prepare yourself for a job interview, you're planning to relocate to Italy or to spend your next holiday there, I look forward to assisting you to achieve your goals!
I am here to help you improve you grammar, sentence structure and to teach you helpful phrases in a fun and relaxed way.
I graduated from university majoring in Linguistic Mediation and in Modern Languages and then I specialized in the teaching of Italian as a second language, attending a one-year post-graduate course devoted to this and receiving excellent grades (FILIS: Formatori Interculturali di Lingua Italiana per Stranieri). I also teach in the Italian public schools.
If you'd like to learn Italian fluently, I'd love to be your teacher, then why not book a trial class with me now? In this lesson, we will design a lesson plan especially for you discussing how you will reach your specific goals.
IMPORTANT: Please contact me before booking your lesson with me and let me know your Italian level as well as the reasons why you want to learn Italian.
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Moijra is very good teacher, patient and supportive She has the know how to transfer to her beginner students the needed knowledge
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Why should you choose me? Take a look at what people say who have taken online classes with me.
Book lessons with me and
- prepare Dutch exams "Basisinburgering A1" and "Inburgeringsexamen A2". Your full commitment and my energetic, professional approach are the winning combination to help you succeed at once!
- learn Dutch because you live in the Netherlands (or are planning to move there) and still don’t speak the language properly or haven’t started yet. You’ll enjoy your environment more!
- learn Italian for work or because you will move to this beautiful country or simply because you just love it. Let me help you experience the language!
- study Spanish for pleasure, work or because you have to prepare an exam for school and you need to get confident to perform optimally
- get confident in useful daily conversations, meetings at work, exams, and presentations
- overcome the fear of failure; if you have learning problems, feel shy or need a boost of energy you’ll get confident enough to achieve your goals
My lessons are based on conversations. My method is to help you practice the language from the very beginning in spontaneous and direct conversations, using often role plays.
With books, articles, songs, and other interesting and stimulating material I will encourage conversation, develop grammar in a simpler way, and improve pronunciation.
Learning a foreign language is not a matter of doing much effort, but rather of being consistent, enjoying the lessons and allowing your intuition to work with you. You will book immediate results while having fun!
I've been teaching Dutch, Spanish and Italian for many years, in The Netherlands, for private institutes, for the integration of foreigners into society (Inburgering), and online from Italy, where I currently live.
Contact me for a free trial and let me know how I can help you.
CANCELATION POLICY
If you cancel a reservation please do it at least 24 hours before the session
(otherwise I would have to charge you for the lesson).
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Very Nice communication, easy to study and prictice Italiano, I am a Biginner and She has the patient to understand me.
Elena P.Thank you so much for the feedback, Pedro! It's a pleasure to work with you and help you achieve your goal.
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I would love to help you develop your English speaking abilities, by using TPR (Total Physical Response), props, we can even play some games and sing some songs together. If you would like, I could even read you a story.
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Louise is a very kind teacher with materials based on what you want to learn. I totally recommend her.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
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Maria has experience in teaching spanish lessons and is very well structured. I really recommend her to everybody.
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I am Chiara an I am a native italian teacher. I hold a degree in linguistic and teaching italian as a second language.
I also hold CEDILS certificate in teaching italian as a foreign language.
I worked in an australian college for a year and I also have been working for three years in a language school in the centre of Florence with people from all the countries around the world.: Brazil, Cina, England, France, United States and many more.
I love writing, travelling and sport.
When we will learn italian together we will start from your level and your goals.
We will do grammar lessons, conversation lessons, everything you need to reach your goal and we will do all of this having fun.
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Above all, Chiara is very resourceful. She can talk to you on any subject, that is, if you are interested in speaking Italian. She is patient, assists you with every little step. I could not expect anything better!
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A useful lesson; some new grammar and vocabulary and Jose continues to encourage me to express myself in Portuguese.
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Ciao! My name is Giorgio, I live few kilometers away from Rome and I am a native speaking Italian tutor, certified with the DITALS Level II (Università per Stranieri di Siena).
Words, their amazing mixture of sounds and ideas, have enchanted me for as long as I can remember, along with their multiple expressive nuances and communicative potential. That is the reason why, after my philosophy degree in 2017, I started my apprenticeship in a renowned institute in Rome while volunteering in a school for immigrants. After getting my teaching certification, in 2019 I worked at an Italian language and culture center in Montpellier (France). When I came back to Italy, I continued teaching at a school and as a freelance, both face-to-face and online.
In my work I aim to teach a language that is authentic and functional to deal with the most common communicative situations for those who travel or live in Italy. How? Firstly, I only speak Italian during classes, since the beginner’s level, and I pay constant attention to pragmatic and intercultural aspects of communication. Secondly, I use all kinds of supports and I gradually introduce more complex structures and specific uses. The choice of the topics is based on the interests and needs of each student. Language is always a mean to convey culture and many people approach Italian driven by curiosity for Italian food, music, fashion, literature, lifestyle, cinema. These all are regular topics of my classes, through which I try to convey a multifaceted image of my country. I have a true passion for metalinguistic reflection and I am happy to answer to students’ questions, but I generally prefer guiding them to the autonomous discovery of grammar rules, through an inductive process. I am very patient and I always try to establish a positive environment, where errors are chances to learn and not something to be ashamed of. I believe in the importance of promoting students’ responsibility in their learning process, stimulating their commitment and valuing their learning styles. Fun and gratification are a more powerful drive than mere obligation.
I provide texts and materials to work on in class and to revise at home. In order to reach the best results in all the communicative skills, I always enrich my classes with visual support, listening activities, videos, games.
If you are looking for a relaxed and friendly environment to learn Italian, contact me for a free trial lesson! We will get to know each other and arrange the work to do together. A presto!
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My Italian lessons with Giorgio have been so worthwhile. Each lesson is very structured and well- prepared. The teaching material is excellent. His friendly demeanor throughout the lesson always inspires interest, encourages and fosters self-confidence. Giorgio is capable of treating his students according to their individual needs. I continuously progress in my studies. He's always willing to go an extra- mile in order to clear any doubts or uncertainties. I highly recommend Giorgio to anyone who wants to learn, improve and master Italian on a high level and who's looking for a teacher out of the ordinary.
Giorgio V.Caro, thank you very much for these gratifying words! I am glad you are so satisfied with our lessons. Thanks to your growing confidence with the language and your natural determination, you can get great results. Keep up the good work!
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