Reporting commands (che + imperfect subjunctive)

When reporting a command or request, you can often use di + an infinitive verb (e.g., ha ordinato di uscire). However, to explicitly state a new subject performing the action, use che instead.

Following a past-tense verb of commanding, requesting, or demanding (like ha chiesto, ordinò, or esigeva), the reported action requires the imperfect subjunctive.

The ruthless sovereign demanded that everyone leave immediately.
Il sovrano spietato esigeva che tutti uscissero immediatamente.
He ordered that the submissive court bow before him.
Ha ordinato che la corte sottomessa si inchinasse davanti a lui.
With a new decree, he imposed that we not eat meat.
Con un nuovo decreto, ha imposto che non mangiassimo carne.

Strong verbs for enforcing rules like imporre (to impose) and pretendere (to demand), as well as standard verbs like chiedere (to ask/request), all follow this exact pattern: past commanding verb + che + imperfect subjunctive.

The sovereign requested that no subject disobey him.
Il sovrano ha chiesto che nessun suddito gli disobbedisse.
The sovereign demanded that the subjects and the court bow.
Il sovrano pretendeva che i sudditi e la corte si inchinassero.
The last decree imposed that the subjects remain submissive.
L'ultimo decreto ha imposto che i sudditi rimanessero sottomessi.