Ch 21 · Lesson 17Spanish · Chapter 21 · Lesson 17 · Grammar primer
No te levantes: pronouns in negative commands
After no, the pronouns move in front of the verb: , but . And don't worry for every person: , .
The short version
After no, the pronoun jumps in front
.
Why?Hide
In a command to do something, the pronouns go on the end: , . Add no and they move in front of the verb, which goes into the subjunctive: , . is never right.
Pronouns move in front
In a command to do something, object and reflexive pronouns go on the end, written as one word. After no, they go in front of the verb, in the same order:
| Do it | Don't do it | English |
|---|---|---|
. | . | Tell me. / Don't. |
. | . | Get up. / Don't get up. |
. | . | Do it. / Don't (). |
Sentaos. | . | Sit down. / Don't (). |
The written accent on and is there because the pronouns add syllables after the stressed one. With the pronouns in front, the verb is back to its plain spelling: , .
No te preocupes: one verb, four people
A reflexive verb changes its pronoun with the person, and the pronoun still sits between no and the verb. Here is "don't worry" ():
| To whom | Spanish |
|---|---|
| a friend () | . |
| (polite) | . |
| friends, in Spain | . |
| a group () | . |
- .
- .
- .
No te preocupes: don't worry (to a friend). No se preocupe: don't worry (to an older stranger). No se preocupen: don't worry (to a group).
Mistakes English speakers make
| Wrong | Right | Why |
|---|---|---|
| no | | after no, takes the subjunctive |
| no | | the short forms do not survive no |
| no | | the pronoun goes in front |
| no | | pronouns in front, then the verb |
| () no | | to a friend: the -s marks |
Signs often use the infinitive instead, for nobody in particular: . - No smoking.
Going further: Negative commands at a glance and the rest of the guide, when you want them. This lesson does not need them.
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