Let’s do it: nosotros commands

The idea

Use the present subjunctive nosotros form: hablemos, comamos, vivamos. An alternative is vamos a plus an infinitive.

Examples

• Cocinemos juntos esta noche.Let’s cook together tonight.
• Abramos la ventana, hace calor.Let’s open the window; it’s hot.
• No compremos más pan hoy.Let’s not buy any more bread today.
• Busquemos un lugar tranquilo para estudiar.Let’s find a quiet place to study.
• Sentémonos cerca del escenario.Let’s sit near the stage.
• Vamos a visitar a la abuela mañana.Let’s visit Grandma tomorrow.

Watch out

Do not use the present indicative hablamos when the intended form is a command. With affirmative nos, drop the final s: sentémonos; in negatives, put nos before the verb.

Try it yourself

1. Choose the form suggesting a shared action: ___ la mesa. (Preparemos / Preparamos)

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   Preparemos

   Preparemos invites everyone to set the table.

2. Choose the negative suggestion: No ___ tarde. (salgamos / salimos)

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   salgamos

   Salgamos follows no in the negative suggestion.

3. Choose the affirmative reflexive form: ___ temprano. (Levantémonos / Levantemosnos)

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   Levantémonos

   Levantémonos drops the final s before nos and retains the stress with an accent.

Use it today

Suggest an activity together and then say what you should not do.