French Imperative Mood
The imperative, called l'impératif in French, is a verb mood which is used to
Fermez la porte.
Close the door.
Mangeons maintenant.
Let's eat now.
Ayez la bonté de m'attendre.
Please wait for me.
Veuillez m'excuser.
Please excuse me.
The above are called "affirmative commands," because they are telling someone to do something. "Negative commands," which tell someone not to do something, are made by placing ne in front of the verb and the appropriate negative adverb after the verb:
Ne parle pas !
Don't speak!
N'oublions pas les livres.
Let's not forget the books.
N'ayez jamais peur.
Never be afraid.
Page 2: Imperative conjugations
Page 3: Imperative word order
Quiz on the French imperative
Note: The imperative is not the only way to tell someone what to do in French; see Giving orders in French
- give an order
- express a desire
- make a request
- offer advice
- recommend something
Fermez la porte.
Close the door.
Mangeons maintenant.
Let's eat now.
Ayez la bonté de m'attendre.
Please wait for me.
Veuillez m'excuser.
Please excuse me.
The above are called "affirmative commands," because they are telling someone to do something. "Negative commands," which tell someone not to do something, are made by placing ne in front of the verb and the appropriate negative adverb after the verb:
Ne parle pas !
Don't speak!
N'oublions pas les livres.
Let's not forget the books.
N'ayez jamais peur.
Never be afraid.
Page 2: Imperative conjugations
Page 3: Imperative word order
Quiz on the French imperative
Note: The imperative is not the only way to tell someone what to do in French; see Giving orders in French
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