Before starting this lesson, it is important that you are familiar with object pronouns. Click here if you need a refresher or if you are unsure as to what they are. You should also be familiar with how to form a command. Click here to review that lesson.
If you are already familiar with object pronouns, then you will remember that you usually put the pronoun before a conjugated verb. With commands this is only true for negative commands, or telling someone not to do something.
No ponga la mesa. Don’t set the table. → No la ponga. Don’t set it.
¿Debo pagar la cuenta? No, no la pague. → Should I pay the bill? No, don’t pay it.
¿Debemos pedir el menú? No, no lo pidan. → Should we ask for the menu? No, don’t ask for it.
If you have an affirmative command, then you will have to add the pronoun to the end of the command. Remember, if you start adding pronouns then you will need to add an accent mark. This is to keep the stress on the original syllable of the command. The only exception with be when you add a single pronoun to a single syllable affirmative informal command (eg ten, pon, haz…).
Por favor, ponga la mesa. Please, set the table. → Por favor, póngala. Please, set it.
¿Debo pagar la cuenta? Sí, páguela. → Should I pay the bill? Yes, pay it.
¿Debemos pedir el menú? Sí, pídanlo. → Should we ask for the menu? Yes, ask for it.
¿Debemos vestirnos? Sí, vistámonos*. → Should we get dressed? Yes, let´s get dressed.
*When adding the reflexive pronoun to the end of a positive nosotros command, be sure the omit the “s” at the end of the verbs when you add the reflexive pronoun.
Practice – Formal Commands with Object Pronouns
Practice – Informal Commands with Object Pronouns
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