- Form nosotros commands using the present subjunctive
- Use "vamos" and "vamos a + infinitive" as common alternatives
- Create negative nosotros commands with "no + subjunctive"
- Master reflexive nosotros commands (special pronoun placement)
- Express suggestions, invitations, and group decisions
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GrammarIntermediate
Nosotros Commands: Let's...
Express suggestions and group actions with 'Let's...' in Spanish
What You'll Learn
Overview
Nosotros commands (also called exhortative or cohortative) are used to make suggestions that include the speaker - equivalent to "Let's..." in English. They express actions the speaker wants to do together with others.
AFFIRMATIVE
Hablemos
Let's speak
NEGATIVE
No hablemos
Let's not speak
ALTERNATIVE
Vamos a hablar
Let's speak
Unlike other command forms, nosotros commands use the present subjunctive for both affirmative and negative forms (with one important exception: vamos for "let's go").
Structure & Formation
Formation Rules
Special Case: IR (to go)
Vamos (indicative form) is commonly used instead of "vayamos" (subjunctive) for affirmative commands. However, for negative commands, always use the subjunctive: No vayamos.
Vamos al cine = Let's go to the moviesNo vayamos = Let's not go
Alternative: Vamos a + Infinitive
In everyday speech, vamos a + infinitive is often used instead of the subjunctive form. This construction is more casual and very common.
Let's eat
Comamos=Vamos a comer
Let's go out
Salgamos=Vamos a salir
Let's start
Empecemos=Vamos a empezar
Let's do it
Hagámoslo=Vamos a hacerlo
Reflexive Nosotros Commands
With reflexive verbs, the pronoun nos attaches to the end of affirmative commands. The final -s of the verb drops before adding -nos.
Formula: verb (drop -s) + nos
sentemos → sentés + nos → sentémonos
| Infinitive | Affirmative | Negative | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| sentarse | Sentémonos | No nos sentemos | Let's sit down |
| levantarse | Levantémonos | No nos levantemos | Let's get up |
| irse | Vámonos | No nos vayamos | Let's leave |
| prepararse | Preparémonos | No nos preparemos | Let's get ready |
| divertirse | Divirtámonos | No nos divirtamos | Let's have fun |
Note: Vámonos
"Vámonos" (Let's go/leave) is the reflexive form of "ir" and is extremely common in everyday speech. It's different from "vamos" which just means "let's go (somewhere)."
Examples
Suggestions
Food
¡Comamos algo!
Let's eat something!
Plans
Vamos al cine esta noche.
Let's go to the movies tonight.
Conversation
Hablemos de eso mañana.
Let's talk about that tomorrow.
Activity
Salgamos a pasear.
Let's go for a walk.
Dining
Probemos este restaurante.
Let's try this restaurant.
Patience
Esperemos un momento.
Let's wait a moment.
Instructions & Encouragement
Beginning
Empecemos con el primer capítulo.
Let's start with the first chapter.
Guidance
Leamos las instrucciones primero.
Let's read the instructions first.
Study
Practiquemos el vocabulario.
Let's practice the vocabulary.
Motivation
¡Hagámoslo!
Let's do it!
Encouragement
No nos rindamos.
Let's not give up.
Persistence
Sigamos adelante.
Let's keep going.
With Object Pronouns
Pronouns attach to affirmative commands but come before negative ones.
Affirmative
Hagámoslo
Let's do it
Negative
No lo hagamos
Let's not do it
Affirmative
Digámosle
Let's tell her
Negative
No le digamos
Let's not tell her
Affirmative
Démoselo
Let's give it to him
Negative
No se lo demos
Let's not give it to him
Common Mistakes
Quick Test
Test your knowledge of nosotros commands!
1. How do you say 'Let's speak' in Spanish?
2. What's the nosotros command for 'ir' (to go)?
3. How do you say 'Let's NOT eat' in Spanish?
4. What's the reflexive nosotros command for 'sentarse' (to sit down)?
5. Which alternative can replace 'comamos' (let's eat)?
6. How do you say 'Let's go!' using the negative nosotros command of 'ir'?
7. Where does the reflexive pronoun go in 'Let's wake up' (despertarse)?
8. What happens to the final -s of the verb when adding 'nos'?