We use imperative sentences to request the person we are speaking to to do. The forms that we use often depend on when, where and to whom we are talking or writing. Certain forms tend to be used only in writing, while others are more commonly used in speaking formally or informally.
Commands are instructions to tell people to do something, often immediately.
Commands using intransitive verbs
The form of the verb does not change. So, if the verb has the prefix ber- or prefix me-, this prefix remains. For simple verbs, such as duduk, that do not require an affix, nothing is added.
For example, a teacher may say this to his or her students:
- Berdiri! Stand up!
- Duduk! Sit down!
- Tulis! Write it down!
- Diam! Shut up!
- Pergi tidur! Go to bed!
Commands using transitive verbs
The prefix me- is dropped if the object is specific.
- Baca buku sejarah. NOT Membaca buku sejarah.
- Read the history book.
- Buka pintu itu! NOT Membuka pintu itu!
- Open that door!
- Habiskan makan malammu! NOT Menghabiskan makan malammu!
- Finish your dinner!’
Remember, tone of voice has a lot to do with how your commands are interpreted. There are informal command and formal command.
Informal Commands
To make commands more informal we can add ayo, coba, ya or dong (colloquial) into the sentences. Don’t use these words in a situation where it requires us to observe formality, such as in ceremonial situations, public announcements or when speaking to strangers in the street or to guests.
- Coba berdiri! Try to stand up!
- Ayo duduk! Come on, sit down!
- Baca ya. Please read
- Baca buku sejarah ya. Please read the history book.
- Buka pintu itu dong. Open that door, please.
Formal Commands
To make commands more polite and formal we add different words or part words, such as –lah, harap, or mohon. These words will make our commands become more impersonal. These words would not be suitable for use with friends, family members or people with whom we have an informal relation.
- Harap berdiri! Please stand up!
- Duduklah! Please sit down!
- Mohon baca buku sejarah. Please read the history book.
- Bukalah pintu itu. Open that door, please.