Imperative with -mi, -ti, -lo, -li: Explained
In the previuos lesson, we have learned the imperative form; now, let’s see how to use the imperative with pronouns. In English, pronouns always come after an imperative (For example: “Look at me!” or “Give it to me”). In Italian, they also come after the verb, but here the pronouns attach to the verb to form one word.
- Rispondimi!
Answer me! - Siediti, per favore.
Sit down, please. - Provalo!
Try it! - Aspettateli!
Wait for them!
Imperative with pronouns: Rules
In the examples above, as you can see, one pronoun is attached to the end of the imperative of the verb to form one word. The same also happens when we need to use two pronouns after the verb: we will then join the verb with both pronouns, forming a single word. In Italian, indirect object pronouns always come before direct object pronouns.
So, when the indirect object pronouns mi, ti, ci and vi come before another pronoun they become me-, te-, ce- and ve-, while li and le become glie-. Have a look at the examples below.
- Passamelo.
Pass it to me. - Mandaglieli.
Send them to him/her/them. - Mettitelo.
Put it on (yourself).
Another thing to remember is that, when the imperative for of the verb consists only of one syllable, the pronoun mi becomes –mmi, ti becomes-tti and –lo becomes –llo.
- Dimmi!
Tell me! - Fallo!
Do it! - Fatti i fatti tuoi!
Mind your own business!
When we use the imperative in the lei form, which is the formal “you”, the pronouns come before the verb and do not join it to form a single word:
- Mi dica.
Tell me. - Glielo faccia vedere.
Show it to her/him.
Imperative with pronouns: Examples
Have a look at some more examples of how to use the imperative mood with direct and indirect object pronouns.
- Mi dia un chilo di patate, per favore.
Give me a kilo of potatoes, please. - Non hai ancora mandato il video a Roberta? Mandaglielo subito!
You haven’t sent the video to Roberta yet? Send it to her straight away! - Eva ti sta chiamando, rispondile!
Eva’s calling you, answer her!
