Imperatif

Imperatif, or the imperative mood, is a grammatical mood used to issue commands, requests, or exhortations. It expresses directive force and is typically directed to the addressee. In many languages it contrasts with the indicative or subjunctive and often lacks a stated subject, since the addressee is understood.

In English, the imperative uses the base form of the verb and usually leaves out the subject you. Examples: "Close the door." "Be quiet." The first-person plural inclusive form is expressed with "let us" (hortative): "Let us begin the meeting."

French uses distinct forms for informal singular (tu) and formal/plural (vous) imperatives, with stems that vary by verb class and some irregulars. Example: "Ferme la porte" (informal singular), "Fermez la porte" (formal/plural). Negative forms use "ne" before the verb and "pas" after: "Ne ferme pas," "Ne fermez pas."

German has separate imperatives for du, ihr, and Sie. Examples: "Geh!" (go, singular informal), "Geht!" (go, plural informal), "Gehen Sie!" (go, formal). Spanish similarly has tú and usted forms: "Cierra la puerta" (informal), "Cierre la puerta" (formal); negatives: "No cierres la puerta."

Other notes: The imperative can express exhortation or inclusive suggestion in various languages, sometimes via a hortative or jussive mood rather than a distinct imperative. Politeness or mitigation is often achieved with "please," modal constructions, or alternative moods. The term imperatif derives from Latin imperativus; in French the mood is called impératif.