Commands in French.
Understanding the Importance of Commands
First, commands don’t have to be bossy and aggressive. Think of commands as a clear and effective way of communicating. For those of use who are ski instructing or helping other holiday makers in town with directions, knowing how to issue commands is very useful. Not to mention for the safety of our guests!
Forming Commands in French
The command form, also known as the imperative mood, is great because we only need to know three forms of the relevant verb in the present tense, instead of six. The imperative in French only has tu, nous and vous forms.
To form a command, first form the sentence as you would in the present tense. Then simply drop the subject pronoun, you (tu or vous) or we (nous).
Remember,
Tu - You, used when speaking to one friend or family member, or one person who is younger.
Nous - We, in this case think let's.
Vous - You, used for formal situations or when addressing more than one person/ a group.
Let’s look at the nous and vous forms first.
Nous mangeons. - We eat. —> Mangeons. - Let’s eat.
Vous attendez. - You wait. —> Attendez. - Wait.
Pretty simple right?
Now, when it comes to the tu form, sometimes the spelling changes. However it sounds the same when spoken aloud.
If the infinitive of the verb ends in -er, -frir or -vrir, then the s is dropped from the end of the tu form.
For example:
Tu parles plus lentement. - You speak slower. —> Parle plus lentement. - Speak slower.
Now, when the verb is followed by the adverbial pronouns y (there) and en (some, of, about, from, it, them), then we don’t drop that s.
For example:
Tu vas. - You go. —> Va à l’école. - Go to school. —> Vas-y. - Go there.
Useful Examples for Ski Instructors
Now that we've covered the basics let's look at some examples you'll find useful as a ski instructor.
S’il vous plaît, attendez ici. - Please, wait here.
Suivez-moi. - Follow me.
Allons-y. - Let’s go.
Écoutez attentivement. - Listen carefully.
Arrêtez! - Stop!
Regarde cette vue! - Look at that view!
Passez une bonne journée! – Have a nice day!
Avoir and Etre irregularities
Now it may come as no surprise that avoir and être are irregular in the command form!
avoir = (tu) aie, (nous) ayons, (vous) ayez
être = (tu) sois, (nous) soyons, (vous) soyez
Negative commands
Negatives are formed exactly as we would in the present tense, and then dropping the subject as we have practiced.
Here are a few useful examples for ski instructors:
Ne prenez pas le télésiège. - Don’t take the chairlift.
Ne skions pas sur la piste rouge. - Let’s not ski on the red piste.
Ne vous asseyez pas sur le téléski. - Don’t sit down on the t-bar/button lift.
Note in the last example that s’asseoir is a reflexive verb, so you still say vous once. This vous is the reflexive pronoun, meaning yourself, not the subject pronoun meaning you.
Practice Commands
Create some role play scenarios to practice sentences that you will use in the future in real life!
Create some flashcards with common commands on one side and their English translations on the other. Test yourself regularly!
Take a look at my blog post on my favourite tools and apps and choose one to help you practice.
Book some private lessons and practice with a teacher.
