What are negative orders with pronouns in Italian?
We have learned that in Italian, in the positive imperative pronouns join onto the end of the verb, forming a single word:
Rispondigli!
Answer him!
Dimmelo!
Tell it to me!
Now, let’s see what happens in the negative!
How to use negative imperative with pronouns?
In the negative form of the imperative, all direct and indirect pronouns can either come before or after the verb. Both forms are correct!
Let’s have a look at some examples:
(Voi) Non parlatemi così! or Non mi parlate così!
Don’t talk to me that way!
(Noi) Non mangiamolo! or Non lo mangiamo!
Let’s not eat it!
(Tu) Non muoverti! or Non ti muovere!
Don’t move!
As you have noticed, when they come before the verb, the pronouns remain separated, while when they come after the verb, they join onto it, forming a single word.
What are the exceptions of negative imperative with pronouns?
If you pay attention, you’ll notice we did not provide an example with the formal Lei. This is because direct and indirect pronouns always come before the verb when using lei.
(Lei formale) Non mi guardi così!
Do not look at me like that!
(Lei formale) Per favore, non lo faccia!
Please, do not do it!
Negative imperative with pronouns: examples
Nowadays, it is probably more common to place the pronouns before the verb rather than after, but both forms are correct, and you can freely choose when to use one or the other!
For instance, you can say Non rispondergli or Non gli rispondere (Don’t answer him). Similarly, Non dirmelo and Non me lo dire (Don’t tell it to me) are both correct.
Let’s practice with some more examples of the use of the negative imperative with pronouns.
Per favore, non darglielo. or Per favore, non glielo dare.
Please, do not give it to him/her/them.
La torta è per Maria, non mangiatela! or La torta è per Maria, non la mangiate!
The cake is for Mary, do not eat it!
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