🎙 Welcome to  We learn Italian step by step  / Impariamo l’italiano piano piano

🎧 Episode 9: Introduction to Commands (Imperativo)

Intro with Examples of Commands

• Get some rest!
• Please, come in!
• Come here!
• Tell me what happened!
• Wait for me!
• Have a seat!
• Don't worry!
• Listen carefully!

Who can tell me, if you wanted to say these sentences in Italian, what form would you use? How would you put it together? If you said 'l'imperativo' - the command form - you are correct.

Paolo: Ah, eccoti qui, Myra! Che cosa stai facendo?

Oh, here you are, Myra! What are you doing?

Myra: Paolo! We're just starting Chapter 2. Today we're talking about the imperativo.

Paolo: Ah sì, è un modo molto utile in italiano. Spiegalo bene agli ascoltatori!

Ah yes, it is a very useful mood in Italian. Explain it well to the listeners!

Antonio: Visto? Non è ancora seduto e già comanda!

See? He isn't even seated yet and he's already giving commands!

Myra: Basta litigare, voi due! Torniamo all'episodio.

Stop bickering, you two! Let's get back to the episode.

Antonio: Hai ragione, Myra. Un comando perfetto.

You're right, Myra. A perfect command.

Paolo: Dai Antonio, non fare il leccapiedi.

Come on Antonio, don't be such a brown-noser.

(Literally "to be a boot-licker")

Antonio: Io? Ma stavo solo riconoscendo la sua bravura!

Me? I was only acknowledging her skill!

Myra: Va bene, va bene, adesso basta. Andiamo avanti con i nostri comandi.

Alright, alright, that's enough. Let's continue with our commands.

Did you happen to notice that these 8 sentences fall into different types of commands: giving direct orders, making urgent requests, and offering instructions or directions. Let's hear these eight examples again.

Examples of Commands

Ma questa volta farò una pausa dopo ciascuna frase.

…but this time, I'll pause after each one.

Poi dite la frase in italiano, oppure mettete in pausa mentre ci pensate.

Then you say the phrase in Italian, or press pause while you think about it.

Prendetevi il tempo necessario.

Take your time.

Dite la frase e poi premete di nuovo "play" per riascoltare.

Say the phrase and then press play again to listen back.

Listening instructions

Myra: Get some rest!

Antonio: Ah, i comandi! Molto utili, molto... pratici!

Ah, commands! Very useful, very... practical!

Myra: Antonio, yes, commands are practical. That's exactly why we need to learn them. Can we focus please?

Antonio: Va bene, ma devo dire che l'imperativo è così diretto! Così... immediato!

Alright, but I must say that the imperative is so direct! So... immediate!

Myra: Esatto! – Exactly! See? That's the beauty of commands.

Antonio: Allora dimmi pure come posso aiutarti!

So tell me, how can I help you!

Myra: Devi aiutarmi con le traduzioni. Allora, torniamo a noi.

You need to help me with the translations. Alright, let's get back to us.

Examples with Italian Translation

Antonio: Eh… un momento, sono un po' occupato adesso.

Uh… just a moment, I'm a little busy right now.

Paolo: Niente paura, ci penso io!

No worries, I'll take care of it!

Antonio: Ma da dove spunti fuori lui?

But where did he come from?

Myra: Beh, eri occupato, no?

Well, you were busy, right?

Myra: Bene, cominciamo.

Good, let's begin.

Myra: Get some rest!

Paolo: Riposati!

Get some rest!

Antonio: Ancora questo Paolo!

This Paolo again!

Myra: Sì, Antonio. Paolo è sempre pronto ad aiutare.

Yes, Antonio. Paolo is always ready to help.

Antonio: "Riposati"… Hmm, molto premuroso. Direi anche "Prenditi una pausa!"

"Get some rest"… Hmm, very caring. I'd also say "Take a break!"

Myra: Perfetto. Entrambi funzionano.

Perfect. Both work.

They both work. Andiamo avanti.

Let's continue.

Myra: Please, come in!

Paolo: Prego, entri!

Please, come in!

Antonio: O meglio… "Per favore, vattene!"

Or better… "Please leave!"

Myra: Please leave? Now that is downright rude!

Antonio: Va bene, va bene… torno io alle traduzioni.

Alright, alright… I'll take care of the translations again.

Paolo: E io che dovrei fare?

And what am I supposed to do?

Myra: Um...Fammi una tazza di tè.

Make me a cup of tea.

Paolo: E poi?

And then?

Antonio: E poi porta anche a me un caffè, bello forte!

And then bring me a coffee too, nice and strong!

Myra: Basta con il tè e il caffè! Torniamo alle traduzioni.

Enough with the tea and coffee! Let's get back to the translations.

Antonio: Finalmente! Dimmi il prossimo comando.

Finally! Give me the next command.

Myra: Allora, continuiamo.

Perfect. Then, let's continue.

Myra: Come here!

Antonio: Vieni qui!

Myra: Tell me what happened!

Antonio: Dimmi cos'è successo!

Myra: Wait for me!

Antonio: Aspettami!

Myra: Have a seat!

Antonio: Si accomodi!

Myra: Don't worry!

Antonio: Non ti preoccupare!

Myra: Listen carefully!

Antonio: Ascolta bene!

Antonio: Perfetto! Ogni comando ha la sua personalità, la sua energia!

Perfect! Each command has its own personality, its own energy!

Myra: E con questa energia cominciamo il nostro nuovo capitolo.

And with this energy we begin our new chapter.

Welcome to Chapter 2

Myra: Welcome back to Impariamo l'italiano piano piano! Today we begin Chapter 2 of our journey, and with it, we're diving into one of the most direct and practical verb forms in Italian: l'imperativo - the command form.

Myra: Before we get too far, I'd like to mention that this podcast is sequential. Each episode builds on the last one, so if you've just discovered us here, I really recommend starting from the beginning with Episode Zero. You should see a pushpin to start here in the title. That way, you'll get the full benefit of the story and the grammar as they develop step by step.

And one more note, the vocabulary you'll hear in today's story was introduced and practiced in Bonus Episodes 7A and 7B. If you've had a chance to review those, fantastic. If not, you can still follow along today, but going back to those episodes will help you get the most out of the story.

What is the Imperativo?

Now, getting back to the imperativo, it is not a tense, like the imperfetto, passato prossimo, or passato remoto. Those are all past tenses. They help us tell stories, describe situations, and recount events.

The imperativo, d'altra parte (on the other hand), is a mood. A mood shows the speaker's attitude. And in this case, it's used when you want to tell someone to do something: to give directions, make requests, offer advice, or even give orders.

Antonio: L'imperativo è l'energia dell'azione! Del movimento! Del "fai questo, vai là, vieni qua!"

The imperative is the energy of action! Of movement! Of "do this, go there, come here!"

Myra: Esatto, Antonio! And this mood is all about immediacy: commands are direct, practical, and very much in the present moment.

The three main types of Imperativo

Myra: Now, when we think of commands, we often imagine someone giving strict orders. But in Italian, the imperativo has different shades of meaning depending on the context. Let's look at three common ways it's used.

1. Direct Orders and Instructions

These are straightforward commands, often urgent or very clear directions.

Examples from our story:

• Get in the car! → Sali in macchina!
• Take these stairs. → Prendi queste scale.

Antonio: Diretto e senza fronzoli! Perfetto per situazioni veloci.

Direct and without frills! Perfect for fast situations.

2. Polite Requests and Invitations

Commands don't always sound harsh. They can be softened into polite ways to invite or encourage someone.

Examples:

• Come in! → Avanti!
• Tell me… → Dimmi…

Antonio: Ah, più gentile… quasi come un invito.

Ah, more gentle… almost like an invitation.

3. Advice and Suggestions

Sometimes commands sound like caring advice or helpful suggestions.

Examples from our story:

• Buckle up. → Allaccia la cintura.
• Keep your umbrella close by. → Tieni l'ombrello a portata di mano.

Myra: So the imperativo isn't just about shouting orders. It can guide, invite, or even show concern.

Test your understanding of the 3 types of Imperativo

Myra: Now that we've looked at the three main types of imperatives, let's play a little game with the eight examples we started with earlier. I'll read each one in English, and Antonio, and maybe Paolo too, can tell us which category it belongs to.

E voi, studenti saggi, potete giocare insieme a noi.

And listeners, you can play along together with us.

Myra: "Get some rest!"

Paolo: Diretto, un ordine chiaro.

Direct, a clear order.

Antonio: Ma scusa Paolo… hai bevuto il mio caffè forte? Arrivi fin troppo in fretta con le risposte!

But excuse me Paolo… did you drink my strong coffee? You're coming in awfully quick with the answers!

Antonio: Ma questa frase, Riposati, può anche essere un consiglio, detto con affetto.

But this phrase, "Riposati," could also be said with care, as advice.

Myra: È vero. That is true, because commands can have different shades depending on tone.

Myra: "Please, come in!"

Antonio: Prego, entri! Questo è chiaramente un invito gentile.

That's clearly a polite invitation.

Paolo: Sì, un invito, ma con un tocco di urgenza se sei in ritardo.

Yes, an invitation, but with a touch of urgency if you're late.

Myra: "Come here!"

Paolo: Vieni qui! Diretto, senza dubbio.

Direct, without a doubt.

Antonio: Certo, ma anche affettuoso. Dipende da come lo dici.

Sure, but it can also be affectionate. It depends how you say it.

Lascia che ti faccia vedere come.

Let me show you how.

Myra: Adesso basta, Antonio!

That's quite enough, Antonio!

Our next example is "Tell me what happened!"

Antonio: Dimmi cos'è successo! Io direi un invito gentile, quasi come aprire una conversazione.

I'd say a polite invitation, almost like opening a conversation.

Paolo: Mah… per me è più un ordine.

Well… for me it's more of an order.

Myra: I suppose you are both right. Once again, depending on how you say it.

Myra: Next one: "Wait for me!"

Paolo: Aspettami! Diretto, soprattutto se stai per perdere il treno.

Direct, especially if you're about to miss the train.

Antonio: Ma anche un segno di cura. Non lasciarmi indietro.

But also a sign of care. Don't leave me behind.

Myra: "Have a seat!"

Antonio: Quando parli con un professore dici "Si accomodi!", ma con un amico puoi dire semplicemente "Accomodati!".

When you speak with a professor you say "Si accomodi!", but with a friend you can simply say "Accomodati!"

Myra: Un invito educato.

A polite invitation.

But don't worry too much ascoltatori, we will cover the formal and informal forms of the imperativo coming up soon.

Myra: Here's the next one. "Don't worry!"

Antonio: Non ti preoccupare!

Paolo: Un consiglio, per rassicurare.

Advice, to reassure.

Antonio: E allo stesso tempo, un comando gentile.

And at the same time, a gentle command.

Myra: "Listen carefully!"

Antonio: Ascolta bene! Diretto, chiaro, senza giri di parole.

Direct, clear, no beating around the bush.

Myra: Senza giri di parole, without turns of words. Straightforward then.

Myra: Excellent! So you can see that commands are not just bossy. They can be urgent, polite, or even caring. And sometimes, as Antonio and Paolo just showed us, one command could fit more than one category depending on the context.

Ottimo lavoro! But let me ask you something… have you thought about to whom these commands are directed? Of course, it's obvious with commands like Non ti preoccupare, but what about the others? Are we speaking to a friend? To a stranger? To a group of people? And why do we sometimes see the infinitive instead of the normal imperative? And what about the placement of the pronouns? Do you see any logic there?

Antonio: Ah, giusto! Non è lo stesso dire Accomodati! a un amico o Si accomodi! a un professore.

Ah, right! It's not the same to say Accomodati! to a friend or Si accomodi! to a professor.

Myra: Exactly. Maybe you already have a sense of who these commands are for. If not, don't worry. By the end of the next episode, you'll be able to identify exactly who the command is directed to, and even form them yourself.

Antonio: Un piccolo mistero grammaticale da risolvere nella prossima puntata!

A little grammar mystery to solve in the next episode!

Play Chapter Two

Myra: Alright, it's time to hear a little more of Mariella's story. As you listen, see if you can catch the imperative, and think about which category it belongs to. As you have seen, it can be debatable, but let's take the context and the intended meaning into consideration.

Antonio, per favore, puoi leggerlo tu a velocità lenta?

Antonio, please, can you read it at slow speed?

Antonio: Certo! Ascoltate bene…

Of course! Listen carefully…

Antonio:

Venerdì pomeriggio, Mariella è arrivata puntuale alla stazione.

Indossava una giacca di pelle e le sue scarpe migliori, ma il freddo vento autunnale le faceva desiderare di avere un cappotto più pesante.

In mano teneva un ombrello, anche se il cielo era solo parzialmente nuvoloso.

Mentre aspettava fuori, osservava la piazza deserta.

I lampioni proiettavano lunghe ombre sul marciapiede, e il silenzio era interrotto solo dal suono lontano di un treno in arrivo.

Mariella ha guardato il telefono e ha letto un messaggio di Zina.

"Ho dovuto lavorare un po' di più. Resta lì! Arriverò in tempo per portarti all'appuntamento con l'avvocato."

Myra: Grazie, Antonio. Adesso, un'altra volta a velocità normale.

Thank you, Antonio. Now, once more at normal speed.

(Antonio reads the excerpt again at normal speed)

Myra: So, did you catch it? What was the command, and which category do you think it fits into? We'd love to hear your answers! You can send us a voice message on SpeakPipe or write us a text message. You'll find both links in the show notes. We might even share some of your responses in a future episode

Comprehension questions

Antonio: Sono curioso anch'io di sentire cosa dite!

I'm curious too to hear what you'll say!

Paolo: Anch'io! Sarà interessante vedere se gli studenti saggi sono d'accordo con noi… o con Antonio.

Me too! It will be interesting to see if the wise students agree with us… or with Antonio.

Antonio: Aspettate un attimo… perché non facciamo qualche domanda di comprensione? Così vediamo se gli studenti saggi hanno seguito bene.

Wait a second… why don't we ask a few comprehension questions? That way we'll see if the wise students followed along well.

Myra: Ottima idea, Antonio!

Great idea, Antonio!

A few comprehension questions. But before we start, I want to tell you something important. You're not expected to understand every word the first time you hear the text in Italian. The goal is to catch the general meaning. However, if you'd like, you can use the podcast chapter headings to listen again, and challenge yourself to see just how much you can understand before we play the English and Italian version in the next main episode.

Antonio: Bene, comincio io.

Alright, I'll start.

Antonio: Dove è arrivata Mariella venerdì pomeriggio?

Myra: Where did Mariella arrive on Friday afternoon?

Myra: Perfetto, adesso la seconda.

Perfect, now the second one.

Antonio: Che cosa indossava Mariella e perché desiderava un cappotto più pesante?

Myra: What was Mariella wearing, and why did she wish she had a heavier coat?

Antonio: Ecco la terza.

Here's the third.

Antonio: Che cosa teneva in mano Mariella e com'era il cielo?

Myra: What was Mariella holding in her hand, and what was the weather like?

Myra: Molto bene. Andiamo avanti.

Very good. Let's continue.

Antonio: Che cosa notava Mariella della piazza mentre aspettava?

Myra: What did Mariella notice about the piazza while she was waiting?

Antonio: Adesso una più difficile!

Now a trickier one!

Antonio: Che cosa rompeva il silenzio nella piazza?

Myra: What broke the silence in the square?

Myra: E l'ultima.

And the last one.

Antonio: Chi ha mandato un messaggio a Mariella e che cosa diceva?

Myra: Who sent Mariella a message, and what did it say?

Myra: Benissimo! Non preoccupatevi se non avete capito tutto. Potete sempre riascoltare e ogni volta capirete qualcosa di più.

Excellent! Don't worry if you didn't understand everything. You can always listen again, and each time you'll catch a little more.

Wrap-up

Myra: In our next episode, we'll reveal the answers, and we'll take it a step further, looking at how to form imperatives in Italian so you can start using them yourself.

Antonio: Finalmente! Così possiamo comandare tutti!

Finally! Like this we can give commands to everyone!

Myra: Well… maybe we won't give commands to everyone, and certainly not anyone's husband. How about we keep it amichevole e gentile, friendly and polite!

Antonio: Va bene, va bene… ma io rimango il maestro dei comandi!

Alright, alright… but I remain the master of commands!

Paolo: Maestro dei comandi? Allora lasciami almeno il titolo di maestro delle distrazioni.

Master of commands? Then at least leave me the title of master of distractions.

Myra: Ce l'abbiamo fatta. We made it!... Nonostante tutti i comandi e le distrazioni.

Despite all the commands and the distractions.

Antonio: A proposito, Paolo… che fine ha fatto il mio caffè?

By the way, Paolo… what happened to my coffee?

Paolo: Quale caffè? Non ho visto nessun caffè.

What coffee? I didn't see any coffee.

Antonio: Non dirmi che l'hai bevuto tu!

Don't tell me you drank it!

Paolo: Eh… forse solo un sorso.

Well… maybe just a sip.

Antonio: Un sorso? Era tutto il bicchiere!

A sip? It was the whole cup!

Paolo: Dai, te ne offrirò uno domani.

Come on, I'll buy you another one tomorrow!

Myra: Alla prossima!

Until next time!

📘 Grammar Notes – Episode 9

Imperativo is a mood, not a tense

• Tenses like imperfetto, passato prossimo, passato remoto express time (past, present, future).
• The imperativo instead expresses the speaker's attitude: giving orders, making requests, offering advice, or extending invitations.

Three main uses of the imperativo

1. Direct Orders and Instructions (Sali in macchina! / Get in the car!)
2. Polite Requests and Invitations (Avanti! / Come in!)
3. Advice and Suggestions (Tieni l'ombrello a portata di mano. / Keep your umbrella close by.)

Expression "a portata di mano"

• Literally "at the reach of the hand."
• Used for things that are within easy reach or easily accessible.
• Example: Tieni l'ombrello a portata di mano = Keep the umbrella handy (within reach).

Senza giri di parole

• Literally "without turns of words."
• Meaning: directly, plainly, without beating around the bush.

"Dimmi cos'è successo!" vs. "Dimmi cosa sta succedendo!"

• Dimmi cos'è successo! → Tell me what happened! (past event, already completed).
• Dimmi cosa sta succedendo! → Tell me what is happening! (something happening right now).