Giving Indirect Commands
When you want to issue an indirect command to a third party—similar to saying "Let him..." or "May it..." in English—Italian uses the conjunction che followed by the present subjunctive. This structure is called the exhortative subjunctive, and it is perfect for formal or dramatic requests.
| Let's begin the séance. Let the medium summon the spirit! | Iniziamo la seduta. Che il medium evochi lo spirito! |
Reflexive Verbs in Commands
If the command uses a reflexive verb, the reflexive pronoun (si) is placed immediately before the conjugated verb, following standard subjunctive rules.
| There is a strange presence. Let the entity manifest itself! | C'è una strana presenza. Che l'entità si manifesti! |
Negative Commands
To issue a negative third-party command ("Let it not..."), place non right before the verb (and before any attached object pronouns).
| Let that entity not possess the medium! | Che quell'entità non possieda il medium! |
Plural Commands
This construction works for plural subjects ("Let them...") just as easily. Simply use the third-person plural form of the present subjunctive.
| With the ritual finished, let the shadows vanish! | Finito il rituale, che le ombre svaniscano! |
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