HSK 1
祈使句
qí shǐ jù
Imperative sentences (祈使句)
Explanation
An imperative sentence (祈使句 - qíshǐjù) is a sentence used to request, suggest, invite, or forbid the listener from doing something. The subject (你 - you) is usually omitted.
affirmative form (telling someone to do something): 请 (qǐng - please/invite) + verb → 请进 (please come in), or a verb standing alone such as 坐 (sit down), 看 (look). Negative form (telling someone not to do something): 别 (bié - don't) / 不要 (búyào) + verb → 别说了 (stop talking).
for a polite invitation → add 请 at the front; to stop someone → use 别 or 不要. The sentence usually ends with an exclamation mark to express mood/tone (the attitude of the sentence: question, exclamation, statement...).
learners often keep the subject (the person or thing performing the action, at the start of the sentence) 你, which makes the sentence less natural (请你进 sounds stiff); and don't negate with a bare 不 - you must use 别 or 不要, do NOT say 不说了 with a commanding meaning.
Examples
Please come in!
Stop talking! / Don't talk anymore!
Practice
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Learn “祈使句” effectively
The grammar point “祈使句” (Imperative sentences (祈使句)) is one of the key structures at HSK 1. To use it fluently, you need to understand the contexts where it's used and practice regularly.
Study tip: read the examples aloud many times to build a natural reflex. Then try making your own sentences for your own situations. Use the audio button to hear and practice accurate pronunciation.
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