Negative commands (non...)

Negative Commands for One Person (Tu)

To tell a single person (tu) not to do something, simply place non directly in front of the full infinitive of the verb.

Don't open that door!
Non aprire quella porta!
Do not touch this scary spider!
Non toccare questo ragno spaventoso!

Warning a Group (Noi and Voi)

To warn a group of friends (voi), or suggest that you and your group shouldn't do something (noi), place non in front of the regular present-tense forms.

For voi:

Don't go into the cellar without the candle!
Non andate in cantina senza la candela!

For noi:

It is dark, let's not shout in the cellar!
È buio, non gridiamo in cantina!

Surviving the Haunted House

Keep your eyes open, and remember your negative commands!

Don't be afraid, the ghost doesn't exist.
Non avere paura, il fantasma non esiste.
Guys, do not tremble and do not touch the ghost's candle.
Ragazzi, non tremate e non toccate la candela del fantasma.

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