Direct Imperatives vs.

Arabic imperatives are derived directly from the imperfect (present) tense verb. You essentially strip away the "current-ness" of the verb to leave raw action. Because Arabic is a pro-drop language, the subject ("you") is built into the verb ending. You don't say anta iktub (You write!); you just say uktub (Write!). The tone is carried entirely by the verb form and your intonation.

1. 1The recipe is simple, but execution requires finesse. Here is the standard breakdown for tri-literal verbs:
2. 2Start with the Jussive form of the present tense (e.g., taktubu becomes taktub).
3. 3Chop off the present tense prefix (t-).
4. 4If the remaining cluster starts with a consonant that has a vowel, you're done (e.g., qul from taqulu).
5. 5If it starts with a silence (sukun), you need a "helper" vowel to start speaking. Add a Hamzat al-Wasl (connecting Aleph).
6. 6Vowel Rule: If the middle root vowel is u (damma), the Aleph gets a u (uktub). If it's a or i, the Aleph gets an i (ijlis, iftaH).

Context is king here. You can safely use direct imperatives in these scenarios without offending anyone:

• Close Friends & Family: "Pass the salt" (nāwilnī al-milH) is perfectly fine at the dinner table.
• Instructions & Recipes: "Chop the onions" (aqTi' al-baSal). The onion won't get its feelings hurt.
• Prayer (Du'a): Surprisingly, we use the imperative form with God, but the *intent* is a plea, not a command. ighfir lī (Forgive me).
• Emergencies: "Watch out!" (intabih!). Politeness goes out the window when a car is coming.
• Offers & Hospitality: This is a cultural quirk. Using a direct imperative to offer food or a seat (kul!, ijlis!) is actually *more* polite because it shows insistence on generosity. It says, "I insist you take this!"

Avoid the direct imperative with:

• Strangers: Unless you want a fight.
• Superiors/Elders: It can sound dismissive.
• Service Situations: Telling a waiter aHDir lī (Bring me) can sound a bit medieval. It's better to use law samaHt (if you please) or mumkin (is it possible).

• The Vowel Mix-up: Saying aktub instead of uktub. The helper vowel matters!
• The Gender Gap: Forgetting to add the -ī suffix for women (uktubī). In Arabic, addressing a woman like a man is a quick way to show you aren't paying attention.
• Over-Politeness in Hospitality: Paradoxically, *not* using the imperative when offering food can seem cold. If you just say "You can eat if you want," it sounds like you don't care. Use tafaDDal (Go ahead/Please) enthusiastically!

• Jussive with Laa (Prohibition): laa taktub (Don't write). This is the negative twin of the imperative.
• Subjunctive Requests: an taktuba (That you write). Used in softer constructions like "I want you to write."
• Future Tense Instructions: Sometimes satadhhabu (You will go) is used as a firm instruction, implying it's already decided.