Nuances of Imperative Form: Learn to use the nuances of the imperative form to give polite or informal commands, advice, or make requests.

The imperative form in Portuguese is used to give commands, make requests, or offer advice. It is a crucial aspect of communication and can be expressed in different ways depending on the level of formality and politeness required.

Informal Commands and Requests

When giving informal commands or making informal requests, the imperative form is used without any additional words or changes. Here's how to form informal commands and requests in Portuguese:

• For tu (you, informal singular), use the present indicative form of the verb without the pronoun:

  • Fala! (Speak!)
  • Come! (Eat!)
  • Dorme! (Sleep!)

• For você (you, informal singular), use the present indicative form of the verb with the pronoun:

  • Você fala! (You speak!)
  • Você come! (You eat!)
  • Você dorme! (You sleep!)

• For vocês (you all), use the present indicative form of the verb without the pronoun:

  • Falem! (Speak!)
  • Comam! (Eat!)
  • Durmam! (Sleep!)

Polite Commands and Requests

To give polite commands, make polite requests, or offer polite advice, it is common to use different verb forms in Portuguese. Here are the main ways to express politeness in the imperative form:

• Use the subjunctive mood after the conjunction "que":

  • Que você fale! (Please speak!)
  • Que você coma! (Please eat!)
  • Que você durma! (Please sleep!)

• Use the conditional mood with the pronoun "se":

  • Se você falasse! (If you could speak)
  • Se você comesse! (If you could eat)
  • Se você dormisse! (If you could sleep)

• Use the periphrastic construction "poder + infinitive":

  • Pode falar! (You can speak)
  • Pode comer! (You can eat)
  • Pode dormir! (You can sleep)

Giving Advice

When giving advice, the imperative form can also be combined with other phrases to express the desired action in a polite manner. Here are a few examples:

• Você devia falar (You should speak)
• Você tem que comer (You have to eat)
• Você deveria dormir (You should sleep)

Summary

In summary, the imperative form in Portuguese is used to give commands, make requests, or offer advice. When giving informal commands or requests, use the present indicative form of the verb. To express politeness, use the subjunctive mood, the conditional mood, or periphrastic constructions. Remember to adapt the imperative form based on the level of formality and politeness required in each situation.

Note: Imperative forms can vary depending on the verb conjugation. Make sure to consult verb conjugation tables or dictionaries for specific verbs as needed.