Imperative: tu/nous/vous Forms

Most French sentences need a subject like je, tu, or nous. The imperative is a rebel. It deletes the subject entirely. You do not say "You eat." You just say "Eat!" Because you are usually talking directly to someone, the listener knows who you mean. This makes your French sound much more natural and urgent. It is like a grammar traffic light—green for go, red for stop, no need for a long explanation. Even native speakers love it because it is efficient. If you can conjugate a verb in the present tense, you already know 90% of this rule. You just need to learn what to throw away.

1. 1Creating the imperative is a simple three-step process.
2. 2Pick your person. You only have three choices: tu (for one friend), nous (for "let's"), or vous (for groups or formal situations).
3. 3Conjugate the verb in the present tense. For example, tu parles, nous parlons, vous parlez.
4. 4Remove the subject pronoun. Now you have parles, parlons, parlez.
5. 5Wait! There is one tiny catch for -er verbs. When using the tu form for verbs like parler or manger, you must drop the final s. So, tu parles becomes Parle ! instead of Parles !. It looks cleaner, doesn't it? For other verb groups like -ir or -re, the s stays put. For example, Finis tes devoirs ! (Finish your homework!).

The imperative is everywhere in real life. Use it when you are:

• Giving directions: Tournez à droite (Turn right).
• Sharing a recipe: Mélangez le sucre (Mix the sugar).
• Giving advice: Prends ton temps (Take your time).
• Making suggestions: Allons au cinéma ! (Let's go to the movies!).
• Issuing a command: Arrête ! (Stop!).

Imagine you are in a job interview. You might hear the interviewer say Asseyez-vous (Sit down) or Parlez-moi de vous (Tell me about yourself). At a restaurant, a waiter might say Regardez le menu (Look at the menu). It is practical and everywhere.

Because the imperative is so direct, it can sometimes sound a bit rude if you aren't careful. Don't use it with your boss unless you have a very close relationship. Instead of saying Donne-moi le rapport ! (Give me the report!), you might want to say Pourriez-vous me donner le rapport ? (Could you give me the report?). Use the imperative with friends, family, or when the situation is clear and professional but not overly formal. Think of it like a spicy seasoning—great in the right amount, but too much makes the meal hard to swallow.

The "S" trap is the biggest hurdle. Everyone forgets to drop that s on -er verbs in the tu form at first. Don't sweat it; even native kids mess this up while learning. Another common slip is including the subject. Tu mange ! is a statement, not a command. If you want them to eat, just say Mange !. Also, remember that the negative form just wraps around the verb. It's Ne mange pas !, not Mange ne pas !. If you get these right, you'll sound like a pro.

How does this differ from the normal present tense?

• Present: Tu manges. (You are eating. Just a fact.)
• Imperative: Mange ! (Eat! An order or strong suggestion.)

It is also different from the devoir (must) construction.

• Tu dois manger. (You must eat.)
• Mange ! (Eat!)

The imperative is much faster. It skips the "you must" part and goes straight to the verb. It is the difference between a long manual and a quick "How-to" video.