Imperatives/commands (e.g.: Fale português!)

Questions about the Imperative (Portuguese)

Q: Why is it Assina a carta and NOT Assinas a carta?
In the affirmative imperative, the tu form drops the final -s of the present indicative:

• assinas → assina
  In the negative, use the subjunctive:

• Não assines a carta.

Q: Why is it Dá-mo and NOT Dá-lo-me?
Pronouns follow a fixed order: indirect object first, then direct object.
In Portuguese, these combine into forms like:

• dá-me + o → dá-mo

Q: Why is it Tem a tua comida and NOT Teme a tua comida?
The verb ter has an irregular affirmative tu command:

• tens → tem (not teme)

Q: Why is it Diga-mo and NOT me o diga?
In affirmative commands, pronouns are attached to the end of the verb:

• Diga-mo.

In negative commands, pronouns come before the verb:

• Não mo diga.

🔑 Key point

• Affirmative → pronouns attach to the verb

• Negative → pronouns precede the verb

• Pronoun order → indirect before direct