Direct Commands - Use of the Imperative

The command forms in Spanish can be used with or without the subject. If the subject is present, normally for emphasis or clarification, it usually follows the verb (although sometimes it can precede the verb). In English, this subject is usually omitted, although sometimes it is also present:

• Habla con el profesor.
  Talk to the professor.

• ¿Yo? ¡Habla tú con él!
  Me? You talk to him!

• ¡Tú calla! / ¡Calla tú!
  You shut up! / Shut up, you!

• Venga usted por aquí.
  Come this way.

• Pasen, pasen.
  Come in, come in.

• Comamos en paz.
  Let’s eat in peace.

• Pasemos nosotros si ellos no quieren.
  Let us* go in if they don’t want to.

*If the nosotros command is used without the subject, it is usually translated as “let’s” into English; if the subject is present in Spanish, it is better to translate it as “let us,” emphasizing “us.”