Negative imperative in Spanish
Private lessons, group classes, tutoring and language courses (A1, A2, B2, B2, C1, C2)
Find a teacherOur teachers
Looking for a language tutor? Contact one of our teachers!
Mónica R.
13.00 €/h
No free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Yudiht U.
16.00 €/h
No free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Constanza Nicole B.
12.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Our offer
Spanish has two ways of expressing orders. The affirmative and the negative form of the imperative. Here is the negative form:
Lesson outline
Hide- 1.Forming the imperative: Instructions not to do something (imperativo negativo)
- 2.Irregular verbs in imperativo negativo
- 2.1.Highly irregular verbs
- 2.2.Irregular verbs in Present (Indicative)
- 3.Position of object pronouns
- 4.Exercises
- 4.1.Practise the negative Imperative Form
- 4.2.Change the affirmative orders into negative
- 4.3.Conjugate the verbs in Imperative (negative)
Forming the imperative: Instructions not to do something (imperativo negativo)
The formation of the negative form of the imperative in Spanish is easier than the affirmative. The endings are very similar to the present tense but with a little vowel change.
- The -ar verbs have the same endings as the -er verbs in the Present.
- The -er and -ir verbs have the same endings as the -ar verbs in the Present.
| Personal pronouns | Imperative (hablar) | Imperative (comer) | Imperative (escribir) |
|---|---|---|---|
| tú | no hables | no comas | no escribas |
| usted | no hable | no coma | no escriba |
| nosotros/-as | no hablemos | no comamos | no escribamos |
| vosotros/-as | no habléis | no comáis | no escribáis |
| ustedes | no hablen | no coman | no escriban |
Have a question?
Take online language lessons with a professional teacher
- Native & verified teachers
- Free trial lesson
- Learning materials included
AMINA G. 
20.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Diego W.
15.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Giulia M. 
18.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Edgar A.
15.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Tahereh A.
20.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Violeta A.
12.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
María R. 
13.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Donatella R.
14.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Theo B. 
12.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Sandra M.
20.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Irregular verbs in imperativo negativo
In sentences that tell you not to do something and have "no" in front of them, the imperative forms are all taken from the present subjunctive. It's easy to remember because the endings for -ar and -er verbs are the opposite of what they are in the present tense.
Highly irregular verbs
| Personal pronouns | Imperative (ser) | Imperative (estar) | Imperative (ir) | Imperative (saber) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tú | no seas | no estés | no vayas | no sepas |
| usted | no sea | no esté | no vaya | no sepa |
| nosotros/-as | no seamos | no estemos | no vayamos | no sepamos |
| vosotros/-as | no seáis | no estéis | no vayáis | no sepáis |
| ustedes | no sean | no estén | no vayan | no sepan |
| Personal pronouns | Imperative (dar) | Imperative (haber) |
|---|---|---|
| tú | no des | no hayas |
| usted | no dé | no haya |
| nosotros/-as | no demos | no hayamos |
| vosotros/-as | no deis | no hayáis |
| ustedes | no den | no hayan |
Irregular verbs in Present (Indicative)
If the verb is irregular in the first person-singular of the present tense, all the forms in the negative imperative will have the same irregularity,
Example tener:
- ¡No tengas!
- ¡No tenga!
- ¡No tengamos!
- ¡No tengáis!
- ¡No tengan!
Here you have some examples of common irregular verbs:
| Personal pronouns | Imperative tener | Imperative decir | Imperative poner | Imperative hacer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tú | no tengas | no digas | no pongas | no hagas |
| usted | no tenga | no diga | no ponga | no haga |
| nosotros/-as | no tengamos | no digamos | no pongamos | no hagamos |
| vosotros/-as | no tengáis | no digáis | no pongáis | no hagáis |
| ustedes | no tengan | no digan | no pongan | no hagan |
| Personal pronouns | Imperative salir | Imperative traer | Imperative ver | Imperative venir |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tú | no salgas | no triagas | no veas | no vengas |
| usted | no salga | no traiga | no vea | no venga |
| nosotros/-as | no salgamos | no traigamos | no veamos | no vengamos |
| vosotros/-as | no salgáis | no traigáis | no veáis | no vengáis |
| ustedes | no salgan | no traigan | no vean | no vengan |
Position of object pronouns
Object pronouns are words like me (meaning me or to me), la (meaning her/it) or les (meaning to them/to you) that is used instead of a noun as the object of a sentence. In sentences and instructions, the position of these object pronouns changes depending on whether you are telling someone TO DO something (Imperativo afirmativo) or NOT TO DO something (Imperativo negativo)
- ¡No os preocupéis! (Don't worry!)
- ¡No lo abras! (Do not open it!)
- ¡No se lo digas! (Don't tell her!)
If you are telling someone NOT TO DO something, the object pronouns go BEFORE the verb.
Exercises
- Practise the negative Imperative Form
- Change the affirmative orders into negative
- Conjugate the verbs in Imperative (negative)
Practise the negative Imperative Form
Change the affirmative orders into negative
Conjugate the verbs in Imperative (negative)
Exercises
- Practise the negative Imperative Form
- Change the affirmative orders into negative
- Conjugate the verbs in Imperative (negative)
Practise the negative Imperative Form
Change the affirmative orders into negative
Conjugate the verbs in Imperative (negative)
What our students say
Unlike in other platforms, all our teachers are manually verified by our professional team. Trust in the experiences of our students.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE.
I got certified with the University of Cambridge TKT test, developed empathy to students, polished my method, and the last 5 years I have been teaching english in an online environment.
After years teaching online, I can say that the computer screen is not a limitation. I love to see my students thrive in a new language, I develop my own exercises too, My classes are fun, dynamic and interesting to say the least, I believe I have the patience to create exercises and drills for my students and approach learning from a different perspective and overcome boredom, tiredness and lack of discipline.
I work with realia mostly, and I can tell you that nothing is more powerful than things and situations that are personal to a person.
Samuel .
Manuel is the teacher I was willing to meet. He was able on our very first class to understand my needs and expectations. He's very professional and his knowledge and teaching methods make me feel very confident about my ability to improve my skills in Spanish language.
Manuel Q.
French classes for children, teenagers and adults
Clémence B.
Jean-Noël has many French grammar exercises and is very enthusiastic about sharing his knowledge!
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a screening interview.
Jean-Noël B.
Hey guys!
As a famous proverb says: "You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream."
Many people say it’s easier to learn a language when you are young but there are advantages to learning a language when you are older.
That's why I'm here, your teacher Mila, to help you improve your vocabulary, grammar, erase your fear for speaking and teach you some great things about the world's culture.
I'm a Master Professor of English Language and Literature, with more than 8 years of teaching experience in several countries.
I'm focused on teaching vocabulary and grammar through speaking and natural acquisition with communication.
There's no any boring book in my class, but a lot of interesting materials, worksheets and videos created for each and every student individually to meet everyone's requirements.
I'd be happy to meet you soon and start creating some magic with learning.
Clémence B.
Milica has a great experience in teaching. She has taught for any level or age. Students can learn by speaking with her and practice their English with several learning materials : videos, audios, pictures or debates ! She is passioned by her work and a smiling person, students will learn quickly and easily with her.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a screening interview.
Milica S.
Thank you, Clemence. It was a pleasure talking with you.
Hello everyone! My name is Ainhoa, I am Spanish and I live in Bilbao, a city in northern Spain. I am an online Spanish teacher certified by ELE international and I have a year of experience teaching private lessons.
Thanks to my studies and experience, I am aware of how important it is to adapt the classes to the needs of my students and that they enjoy learning. Therefore, I adapt the classes so that my students can learn to the fullest.
In addition, although my classes are in Spanish, I can use English whenever necessary as I have a good level. I love languages, travel and learn from other cultures.
If you want to start learning Spanish, improve your level, prepare for DELE exams or learn Spanish because you like it, contact me and I will design a plan adapted to you.
See you in class!
Sebastiaan V.
Ainhoa is a great teacher. She is animated, speaks very clearly, and the lessons are always fun: the time just seems to fly by.
Ainhoa R.
Hi, I am Sarah Im from South Korea.
I have been living in the region of North Africa since 2012!
Many young adults want to learn Korean Language (because of K-Drama and K-Pop) so I started to teach the Korean language to many students!
It is so funny experience and I really enjoy to teach Korean!
• Complete the program of training Korean Language Instructor
• teaching in Korean Language and Cultural Center in North Africa
• more than 5 years experience teaching
• Teach Korean with English and Arabic
Clémence B.
Sarah is a very nice Korean teacher. She has different Korean learning materials as videos, audio and exercises ! Students can learn Korean easily with her and learn more about Korean culture too.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a screening interview.
Sarah I.
I am a native English language teacher from Ireland. I have the highly acclaimed accreditation of CELTA. I have been living and teaching in Spain for the past 2 years. I specialise in medical English and in exam preparation. I have trained others to become teachers through the TEFL scheme. My students have been very successful in their exams and I have a brilliant track record. I teach all levels and employ different methods, depending on my student's level of comprehension and their objectives. So for example, if I had a juvenile A1 student, I would play games, use flash cards, keep the class dynamic and I would change activity regularly. This helps to hold their attention and keeps them engaged. Their following lesson then touches on revision and progression. If I had a C1 student, I would help them to work on their exam preparation skills and especially their grammar and speaking skills, I would also teach them specific terminology for their area of study/career.
I adore teaching, I am an excellent teacher and I can definitely help to make English easy for you. I am friendly, engaging and I can mimic different accents! :) I can teach British or American English.
I hope to welcome you to my class soon.
Henrik N.
Fiona is a new and qualified teacher. I really enjoyed speaking to her, she is very friendly and humorous. She has a a lot of teaching material, even for children and I can highly recommend booking a lesson with her.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a screening interview.
Fiona W.
Experienced teacher gives French lessons
Clémence B.
Karine is a French and German teacher. She adaptes her lessons according your demands, level and your studies or work. Students can learning French or German easily with her. She is a nice and smiling person, French or German grammar won't be a problem anymore and funny to learn !
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a screening interview.
Karine W.
We speak Spanish?
Clémence B.
Yolanda is a nice person with great teaching experiences ! She has a lot of different learning materials which are all very attractive and based on students level and demands ! She uses videos, grammar lessons and exercises, movies and music that you like !
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a screening interview.
Yolanda C.
Hello dear students!
My name is Maria Berroteran, I was born in Venezuela and now live in Germany. I am not here to offer you the typical boring language classes, I am here to help you develop your skills, to make you feel comfortable when speaking and to learn the language in a fun and efficient way. Let's have fun together, it's the best way to learn! Don't worry if you need help, I'm here to guide you and answer all your questions without judging.
I have experience teaching children, teenagers, and adults in Germany, so it doesn't matter if you are a beginner or advanced, I will adapt to your needs.
Give me the opportunity and let's achieve one of your goals together!
B B.
Maria is a really sweet teacher who really wants to help you. Her powerpoints are beautiful and really clear. She is always on time and she makes sure that you will understand everything!
Maria Gabriela B.
Hello everyone! My name is Ainhoa, I am Spanish and I live in Bilbao, a city in northern Spain. I am an online Spanish teacher certified by ELE international and I have a year of experience teaching private lessons.
Thanks to my studies and experience, I am aware of how important it is to adapt the classes to the needs of my students and that they enjoy learning. Therefore, I adapt the classes so that my students can learn to the fullest.
In addition, although my classes are in Spanish, I can use English whenever necessary as I have a good level. I love languages, travel and learn from other cultures.
If you want to start learning Spanish, improve your level, prepare for DELE exams or learn Spanish because you like it, contact me and I will design a plan adapted to you.
See you in class!
Aleksandr .
Ainhoa is a very competent teacher, she knows what she is doing and will help you achieve your goals in learning Spanish.
Ainhoa R.
Want to learn French, English or Swedish? I will tailor lessons specifically adapted to what you would like to learn, practice, understand or find out about. I'm an interpreter and translator, and I've studied languages my whole life (and still do), and I also teach. It is incredibly rewarding to see my students progress in their learning! Whether you want to focus on reaching a specific level, are trying to brush up a language you studied previously or want to be able to communicate in a new country, I can help you. Send me a message, and we'll get started!
Sara G.
Cecilia is a very nice and energetic teacher who has already roughly 10 years of experience. She's also an interpreter and a translator. Her classes are clearly structured and her learning materials are really good.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a screening interview.
Cecilia T.
I graduated from pedagogy at the University of Belgrade. I've been teaching English online to people of all nationalities and all ages for over five years.
I am interested in music. I play the guitar, make funny little songs, but sometimes I try myself out in real poetry and song-making.
I like movies. Comedies are the best, but I also like good fantasy, sci-fi, and artistic movies. I love acting. I use acting when teaching English.
I am a science geek. Mainly physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, and the related fields. I also love humanities and like to hone my critical thinking.
But most of all, I am easygoing. I like to talk and always find a subject to chit-chat. Video games or memes, pop-culture, and humor. Humor's good - you can't believe how much you can learn through humor.
Clémence B.
Milos is an English teacher with original learning tools. He teaches to kids, beginners and advanced students. Students can learn English with grammar exercises, humour, discussions or games. Milos adaptes his courses according student demand and level. He tries to share his knowledges by creative and attractive ways. I recommend him !
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a screening interview.
Milos M.
I am a TEFL + TEYL and Business English certified teacher; I also teach Italian, my mother tongue.
I am an elementary teacher and I love playing and spending time with children.
I have students of all ages, from young learners to elderly people.
I really enjoy teaching, both online and in person.
I also love swimming, reading, doing yoga and walking on the beach.
Sara G.
Silvia has wide experience: she's been teaching for almost 20 years to students of all ages (kids, youngsters, adults, elders) from many different countries and in different contexts. Hence, she knows that they can all have different needs and goals, to which she adapts her classes. She also provides really good learning materials and she does great use of internet resources.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a screening interview.
Silvia C.
Thank you Sara! I truly appreciate your kind words and I look forward to working with you.
Hello! I’m María, an experienced teacher from Spain currently living in Belgium. I love learning foreign languages and teaching Spanish is my passion!
I think MOTIVATION is the key to an effective learning experience, and therefore my classes will be designed according to your needs and preferences. My goal is for you to fulfill your objectives! We will together create a plan to make that happen, and negotiate which materials to use. You will be in charge of your own learning experience! I also consider really important to have a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere in class.
I hold a bachelor’s degree in Spanish Language and Literature, a Master’s degree in Linguistics and a certificate in teaching Spanish as a foreign language. I have experience in both face-to-face and online classes, with teenagers, young people and adults.
I consider myself a hard-worker, friendly, emphatic and kind person. I look forward to meeting you and being able to help you improve your Spanish! See you at the trial lesson!
Dolores .
I find María a very kind and well organised teacher, she is helpful and patient and explains everything very well. I can recommend her to anyone.
María Fuensanta S.
Thank you for your kind words, Dolores!
I am Susana or just call me Su, I grew up in Venezuela but my family is from Portugal, and I have been teaching in Madrid since 3 years ago. According to my students I am patient, dedicated and arrive to each class with a positive and happy attitude. As a teacher I am optimistic and enthusiastic and always try to transmit a boundless energy and yet straight-forward -guide. I know how to handle the change for different situations and to be flexible to every one according to their needs and goals.
The classes are a wonderful balance of textbook work and general speaking and reading, which is great to help with pronunciation and real life Spanish conversations.
The only I ask from students is that they want to learn and to share their stories as I will
I hold a Certificate in Teaching Spanish as a Second Language from Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Peru. My bachelor degree is Modern Languages from Universidad de Margarita but still I am learning everyday speacially from my students.
I started my experience as an assistant Spanish teacher at CELA Spanish School in Margarita island, eight years ago. Then I moved to London for one year and worked as one to one Spanish tutor. Today I am currently living in Madrid and work as a Spanish Teacher
on line. Hope I can meet you and help you in this beautiful process. See you soon!!!
Sara G.
Susana is a really nice teacher, with experience teaching both online and in person. She structures her classes in a different way according to her student's level, but she always covers each one of the language learning skills. Her teaching materials are good and she also does a great use of online tools.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a screening interview.
Susana T.
