Reporting commands
When you want to pass on an instruction, command, or request, use a reporting verb like decir (to say) followed by que and the present subjunctive.
Using the subjunctive is crucial here because it shows that you are relaying an order rather than stating a fact. For example, dice que arranques means "he says to start" (a command), whereas dice que arrancas would mean "he says that you are starting" (a statement of fact).
| The instructor says to start the car. | El instructor dice que arranques el coche. |
| The instructor says to press the clutch and the brake. | El instructor dice que pises el embrague y el freno. |
| The instructor says to turn the steering wheel to the left. | La instructora dice que gires el volante a la izquierda. |
Relaying commands to different people
The subjunctive verb must match the person who is supposed to carry out the action. If the instructor is telling you to do it, use the tú form. If the instruction is for me, use the yo form.
| It's difficult for me, but the instructor says I should accelerate. | Para mí es difícil, pero el instructor dice que acelere. |
| Tell me: does the instructor say I should press the brake? | Dímelo: ¿el instructor dice que pise el freno? |
Negative reported commands
To relay a negative instruction—telling someone not to do something—simply place no right before the subjunctive verb.
| The instructor says not to press the clutch and the accelerator at the same time. | La instructora dice que no pises el embrague y el acelerador al mismo tiempo. |
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